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HCET Home > On-line Training > What Works in Adolescent Sexual Health Programs > 4. Components & Integration of a Science-Based Approach > Theory
Theory
Use theory to guide the selection of interventions to address risk and protective factors of youth in the program and to guide the development of intervention activities. Theories are based on research that identifies the influential forces behind human behavior. Theories can help explain why people behave in certain ways and why people change their behavior. Effective programs are based on health and behavior theories to guide the rationale behind program activities and the desired behavior change in adolescents [13]. Some theories used in developing adolescent health programs are: Social Learning Theory, Stages of Change Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Health Belief Model [20]. Here is one example of how a theory can be used in developing adolescent pregnancy prevention activities.Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
The Social Learning Theory is based on the belief that human behavior is determined by a constant reciprocal relationship between cognitive factors (i.e. knowledge, beliefs, and expectations), environmental factors (i.e. social norms), and behavioral factors (i.e. self-efficacy, skills) [14] (Figure 5). With Social Learning Theory, a person is encouraged to observe and model positive behavior, increase one’s confidence and attitude to use new skills, and receive support from others or the environment to implement those skills [21].
Figure 5: From ETR Associates website on Social Learning Theory [21]:
- Develop an activity addressing cognitive factors: i.e. educate the teen about the risk of STIs, HIV, or teen pregnancy should they engage in unprotected sexual activity.
- Design an activity addressing environmental factors: i.e. A group activity where participants brainstorm responses to a peer pressure situation in which a teen is being teased by friends that he/she hasn’t gone “all the way” yet with his/her partner.
- Create an activity addressing behavior: i.e. Role-play a situation in which the teen practices communicating with his/her partner about his/her decision to abstain from sexual activity, or role-play a situation where the teen negotiates condom use with his/her partner.
For more information on specific theories, refer to ETR Associates ReCAPP:
ReCAPP: Theories & Approaches -
