ABSTRACT
When successful interventions to promote positive health behavior change are based on a solid understanding of the individuals, their social milieu and environmental contexts, and the infl uences on their health behaviors, the chances are good that programs will be effective (Glanz & Rimer, 2008). This understanding is often most effi ciently acquired by applying health behavior theories and planning models. This chapter introduces contemporary theoretical bases for health behavior change programs and their applications in practice. Other chapters in this book provide more extensive examinations of health behavior change related to specifi c health issues. This chapter (a) introduces key concepts related to processes of health behavior change; (b) describes applications of several current theoretical models to health behavior change interventions at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community levels; and (c) highlights important overarching issues and constructs that cut across theories.
