The Health Belief Model, with its emphasis on perceived susceptibility and severity, is relevant in promoting communication by addressing individuals' perceptions and beliefs, as evidenced by Rosenstock's statement, "the likelihood of action is a function of the person's evaluation of the probable harm and his perception of the degree of his susceptibility."
The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a recognized theoretical framework that significantly contributes to communication in health and social care settings. Developed by Rosenstock in the 1950s, the HBM is based on the premise that an individual's health-related behavior is influenced by their perceptions and beliefs regarding a particular health issue.
The model emphasizes key constructs, including perceived susceptibility (the individual's belief about their risk of developing a health problem) and perceived severity (the individual's belief about the seriousness of the health problem). These constructs play a crucial role in shaping an individual's attitudes and intentions towards health-related actions.
In the context of communication, the HBM highlights the importance of understanding and addressing individuals' perceptions and beliefs when conveying health information. For example, a healthcare professional communicating about a preventive measure or treatment option should consider how the individual perceives their susceptibility to the health issue and the severity of its potential consequences.