View article

When it comes to changing behavior, thefirst question to address is the level of motivation an individual possesses to attain a target behavior. If a person has not yet formed an intention to perform the behavior in question, then the individual is not currently motivated to change and is in need of motivational support. According to the health action process approach (HAPA), this support could involve motivational constructs such as action self-efficacy, positive outcome expectancies (benefits of behavior change), and some risk awareness for not changing. On the other hand, if a person has already formed an intention to participate in the behavior in question, then the individual is already motivated to attain the target behavior. Such individuals are unlikely to benefit from motivational support but are likely in need of behavioral support to overcome barriers that prevent them translating their good intentions into action. This support could involve volitional constructs such as coping self-efficacy, planning, and selfmonitoring. Moreover, if behavior is derailed and the person relapses to their previous pattern of behavior, instilling optimistic self-beliefs for successful reinitiation of action such as building recovery self-efficacy may be an effective strategy.