So why the academic post?
Firstly, this will offer you a taster of my other blog, which I’m dedicating entirely to Psychology. The link for that will be added here very soon, so keep an eye out if you find this blog interesting!
Today, I watched a presentation for one of my modules: “Applications of Psychology”. The module focuses on, as the name suggests, the applied fields of Psychology one can go into after leaving University. Many of them, admittedly, require at least 3 years further study, but are much more rewarding than, for example, teaching at college or doing a less experienced job.
The presentation itself was very interesting; it was well delivered and contained some very interesting information. I noticed that they presented more information on “Bio-Medical Psychology” however, which is actually a different branch from Health. Towards the end, Health was addressed in a lot more detail, but kudos to the group – they obviously spent a lot of time preparing and researching the topic. It inspired me to write something a little more ‘intellectual’.

Health Psychology is concerned with, in it’s most basic definition, as “the prevention and promotion of physical and psychological well-being”. Many of the campaigns you’ll see every day are produced by top Health Psychologists. For example: the “5-a-day keeps the doctor away” campaigns; the hideous images on cigarette packets; the adverts encouraging contraception; cervical cancer screenings and much much more.

There are many theories which help develop these campaigns. One such one is the “Theory of Planned Behaviour”, developed by Icek Ajzen (1985). The diagram below shows the model this is based on. If you click the image, it will take you to the website I accessed it (which is also full of interesting information on the model).

The Theory of Planned Behaviour Model

As the model suggests, there are a number of factors which predict the outcome of a person’s behaviour. I’m going to use quitting smoking as an example.
So my name’s Bernard Montgomery, and have smoked for about 20 years. I hate it, and want to quit – but what might influence whether I can do it? My attitude towards the behaviour is a huge factor. If I love to smoke, I will. Why would I quit something if I love it? I don’t though, it’s foul, so I’ve fulfilled the “Attitude Toward Behaviour” section.
What about the “Subjective Norm”; what do other people think about me because I smoke? Well my parents despise it, and my friends think I’m dirty and unhealthy. More importantly, what will they think if I quit? Well, my parents will be really proud, and my friends might accept me more.
My “Perceived Behavioural Control” (also known as “Self Efficacy” is whether I believe I can stop. This is the hardest part, as many people struggle to stop once addicted. However, I’m a legend, so I’m going to give it my all, and I believe I will do it. The three above factors directly like to my “Intention To Use” – am I actually willing to give up? If I don’t intend to, then the three former principles are useless. I am willing to – so that’s all good. This finally leads to the behavioural outcome – quitting.

You can see from my amazing role play as Bernard that these factors would logically play a massively important part in someone’s intentions and behavioural outcome.

This model has quite a few implications for society. The NHS can greatly benefit from a model like this, when sending out their famous Quit Kits. Using questionnaires and the like can determine someone’s attitudes towards a desired behaviour. Of course, smoking is not the only application for this model; rather, any behaviour you can think of could probably fit (to do with health). For example, exercising more. If you follow the principles I’ve explained, you can see how someone could predict whether they will follow through on the behaviour:

• Attitude Towards Behaviour: Exercise is healthy, fulfilling and enjoyable.
• Subjective Norm: Other people will love my healthier attitude, and maybe my slimmer body.
• Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC): I believe I am capable of exercising.
• Intention To Use: I am willing to dedicate my time and effort to ensure I follow a routine of exercise.
• Behavioural Outcome: exercising more!

As you can see, almost any health related behaviour will fit.

There are many more models than the one described above, but as I said, this is just a smaller taster of what you can expect on my other blog, dedicated entirely to Psychology. If this interested you, then I can almost guarantee you’ll love it. There’ll be a mix of Health, Clinical, Forensic, Cognitive, Social, Developmental and much much more. Take a peek (link to be inserted soon).

I’ll leave on a fun note, beings your brain might be on Psychology overload.
Below I have scanned in my “notes” for a recent seminar which I found particularly soul-destroying.
I’m sure you’ll agree they’re full of useful information and will help me to pass my exam at the end of the semester.

Yours Psychologically,
Sam Eddy.

Click to make the image larger for easier viewing.

This blog is the ‘replacement’ for my existing one over at Blogspot.com.
If you want to read any of my older posts, feel free to visit at http://www.clogofabunt.blogspot.com
The only reason I haven’t imported material from the old blog is that I don’t want to clutter the new one.

Just so you know, the new URL to get to this blog is “http://spokted.wordpress.com – nice and simple.
If you’d like to subscribe so you receive e-mail updates as posts are fresh, there are many buttons hanging around to help you do that.

Just so you know, the reason I have moved the blog is because, let’s face it, WordPress is ultimately better than Blogspot.
The tools are better, more efficient and much cooler.

Thanks for taking the time to read this introduction, and happy reading.
Much love, Mr. Eddy.