Health beliefs and health behaviours practised by young adults

Caltabiano, Marie L.;Caltabiano, Nerina J.

Abstract

This study examines the domain of health behaviours practiced by young adults, and health beliefs which may influence such behaviours. Multidimensional scaling was used to investigate interrelationships between 48 health behaviours practised by young adults (N=211). The health behaviours were best explained by a 2-dimensional solution which accounted for 88.5% of the variation. The first dimension was categorised by positive health behaviours at one end, such as the wearing of seat belts, and not driving when under the influence of drugs/alcohol, while the other end of the dimension included behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption and infrequent medical checkups. The second dimension related to the practice of behaviours to minimize perceived risk susceptibility such as safe sex and minimizing sun exposure. Of the health belief model constructs, perceived benefits predicted the practice of safe sex and medical/dental checkups. Philosophical health orientation (general health value) predicted eating behaviour. Those persons who believed that drugs, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol intake were dangerous to health, tended to not engage in these behaviours or to succumb to peer pressure to do so.

Journal

Australian Journal of Psychology

Publication Name

Australian Journal of Psychology

Volume

ISBN/ISSN

1742-9536

Edition

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Issue

Supplement 1

Pages Count

Location

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Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publisher Url

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Publisher Location

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Publish Date

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Url

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Date

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1111/j.1742-9536.2002.tb01871.x