Albert Bandura's Theory Of Behavioural Change

According to Prochaska and DiClemente’s Behavioural Change model which takes the individual through step by step stages in order to change, Ava’s is at the contemplation stage. Here she is beginning to think about making changes, allowing her to move to the decision stage where she understands she is at risk, then needs to make decisions to change. This theory is also confirmed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Azjen (1975-1980) the theory of Reasoned Action, where it is proposed that intention is the most important factor; the planting of the seed in order to progress to successful change. Yet in order for Ava to work through these stages she needs to have spent time to fully understand the risks to her health and ultimately her family’s, in order
to prevent reaching the relapse stage. (Browning & Thomas, 2005 and Freeman et al, 2004)

Nonetheless, Ava may not have the confidence and belief in their own ability to take the given action, therefore, may shy away, even if the action is essential or otherwise worthwhile. This self-belief can be bolstered with encouragement, training and other support. Unfortunately, her demographic location may effect whether these services will be made available to her. (NHS Choices, 2015)

Ava’s children appear to be suffering from weight issues, as school has found them to be borderline obese. Any education Ava will gain will enhance their lifestyle. Statistical data from Office of National Statistics (1986-2000) confirms that education and health awareness is linked with mortality rates, it has been found that the higher the number of years in education the lower the mortality rates. Accordingly, if Ava is educated about the effect lifestyle choices has on her health she may therefore educate her children to make the right choices, which equates to the Social Learning theory.

As reported by Shaffer (2009) psychologist Albert Bandura supported the Social Learning theory where he believed that individuals especially children learn from examples around them, for instance from pop stars.
Bandura emphasised that external stimuli affected human behaviour such as observational learning in Ava’s case her children would learn from her behaviour, later imitate it. He found that reward and punishment could have a positive effect on behaviour, this strategy could help improve her children’s health. Rewards could be offered for healthy eating such as trips out, which would also be a form of gentle exercise. Be that as it may, can this be facilitated, does she have support networks available to help, healthy food can be costly also preparation can be time consuming, whereas Ava lives in an inner city area fast food is readily available and convenient when there is little time for preparation. (Haralambos & Holborn,
2013)

The Medical model will enable Ava to change her lifestyle as it works to eradicate physical symptoms of disease, however does not examine cause. It can be perceived that this model ties in with the Functionalist theory that scrutinises the need of structure, stability and order. Talcott Parson (1902-1979) suggested to remove ill from society, wait till they were better then re-introduce them back. He in the same way did not look at how the condition had arisen. (Chapman, 2002)

Advantages of this systematic approach is that illness is identified and treated to restore health.
According to NHS Choices (2015) Ava would probably be prescribed Metformin, as it is the first medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes and shouldn’t cause additional weight gain. Benefits of this intervention would be reduction in glucose released into bloodstream by liver, therefore keeping blood glucose levels normal, which would be valuable for Ava as she has a young family and needs to remain healthy. Ultimately without this model the treatment and diagnosis of illness we have today would not be present. Based on this theory it could be said that the treatment Ava receives will help her regain her health additionally will help advance medical treatment to enable society to continue functioning. (Chapman, 2002 & Wise Geek, 2003-20015)

However, this model excludes psychological, environmental, and social influences. This model instructs the patient to follow medical orders so he or she can be cured, other models such as the Holistic treat the whole person and build relationships to provide more comprehensive care. (Nursing Theory, 2015)

A conclusion can be drawn that many social and environmental factors will effect how Ava reacts to her diagnosis and an array of health approaches will be required to enable Ava to change her
lifestyle.