Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which theory includes the concept of normative beliefs?

1. Transtheoretical model

2. Theory of reasoned action/planned behavior

3. Social cognitive theory

4. Social ecological model

The correct answer is: Theory of reasoned action/planned behavior

The theory that includes the concept of normative beliefs is indeed the theory of reasoned action/planned behavior. This theory posits that an individual's intention to perform a behavior is influenced by their attitudes towards the behavior and the subjective norms, which include normative beliefs. Normative beliefs refer to the perceptions an individual has regarding whether important others (such as family, friends, or societal norms) think they should engage in the behavior or not. This idea emphasizes the social influence that can shape individual behavior, suggesting that if a person believes that significant others approve of a certain behavior, they are more likely to intend to perform it. The significance of these beliefs is crucial for understanding behavioral intention and predicting actual behavior, making them a core component of the model. In contrast, while the other theories listed may incorporate aspects related to behavior change, they do not specifically focus on normative beliefs in the same defined manner. The transtheoretical model centers on stages of change, social cognitive theory emphasizes the role of observational learning and self-efficacy, and the social ecological model considers the influence of various environments on health behavior, but none of these explicitly address normative beliefs as part of their foundational principles.