ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of behaviour change as a key component of health promotion. Social determinants of health, including environmental and cultural factors-also known as 'external factors'-have been brought into much sharper. Borrowing from multiple theories appropriately is considered good practice, as it allows for deeper understanding of the audience and more refined tailoring of strategies. Given the basic human need for belonging, the 'buddy system' and joining clubs and support groups are practical strategies emerging from social cognitive theory that seek to harness the power of social norms and reinforce the desired behaviour as 'normal'. The socio-ecological model (SEM) is a theory-based framework for understanding the multifaceted and interactive effects of personal and environmental factors that determine behaviours, and for identifying behavioural and organisational leverage points and intermediaries for health promotion. The SEM can be used in combination with other theories to research and understand an issue, as well as to design strategies to address the most important factors.
