Jumpstart to Effective Health Promotion Programmes: Models and Theories of Health Behaviours
Discover how health behaviour theories support effective programme design for lasting health change.
Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
Jumpstart to Effective Health Promotion Programmes: Models and Theories of Health Behaviours
Explore essential health behaviour models to build stronger health programmes
From individual health choices to widespread public health programmes, how people adopt and sustain behaviours is shaped by more than knowledge alone.
On this four-week course, you’ll explore the theories and models that underpin effective health promotion—and learn how to use them to make a difference.
Explore how social influence shapes health decisions
Begin with interpersonal theories such as Social Influence Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, examining how observation, role models, and environmental reinforcements affect our behaviours.
You’ll reflect on case studies and apply the concepts to scenarios that reflect real-world health challenges.
Understand how beliefs and motivation affect behaviour
You’ll then examine intrapersonal theories, including the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour.
These models help explain why individuals may or may not take certain health actions, even when aware of the risks. You’ll consider how beliefs, attitudes, and perceived control influence decision-making.
Apply models to design impactful health programmes
Next, explore broader frameworks such as the Transtheoretical Model and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory. You’ll learn how these models support behavioural change over time and across populations.
With practical examples and exercises, you’ll finish the course with the tools to select and apply relevant theories in your work.
Syllabus
Week 1
The Social Influence Theory and the Social Cognitive Theory
Social Influence Theory
In this session, we explore Social Influence Theory and its role in shaping individual behaviors and decision-making processes.
Social Cognitive Theory
In this session, we delve into Social Cognitive Theory and how it explains learning through observation and social interaction.
Week 2
The Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviors
The Health Belief Model in Action
Professor Tuo Yu Chen explains the Health Belief Model, highlighting how perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy influence health behaviors like walking and vaccination, with a real-world study from Kuala Lumpur.
The Theory of Planned Behaviors
In this session, we examine the Theory of Planned Behavior and how intention influences actions in decision-making processes.
Week 3
Stage Theory—The Transtheoretical Model
Stages of Health Behavior Change: Transtheoretical Model
Explore the Transtheoretical Model, highlighting key stages of change, relapse, and strategies for maintaining healthy behaviors long-term.
The Transtheoretical Model Application in Research
In this session, we explore the application of the Transtheoretical Model in research and its role in behavior change.
Week 4
The Diffusion of Innovations Theory
The Diffusion of Innovation Theory Application in Research
In this session, two research studies demonstrate how diffusion of innovation theory applies to healthcare adoption and behavior change.
Final Review and Course Feedback
We will a quiz review on key concepts covered in the course and invite your feedback to improve future learning experiences.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe the main ideas in each model or theory.
- Explain behaviors that are relevant to the constructs in each model or theory.
- Compare the similarity and differences across models or theories.
- Analyze factors of health behaviors from a multi-level perspective.
- Identify suitable models or theories for target health problems.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for public health and healthcare professionals looking to design theory-informed health promotion programmes. It also suits learners interested in behavioural health, social work, or public wellbeing initiatives.
Who will you learn with?
Assistant professor, School of Public Health,Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
Who developed the course?
Taipei Medical University
Taipei Medical University (TMU) has been a leader in Taiwan’s healthcare system for over half a century due to its research, teaching excellence, internationalization and outstanding medical service.
Ways to learn | Subscribe & save | Buy this course | Start learning today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $109/one-off payment | Free |
| Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Try this course - with limits | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 4 weeks |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | tick | cross | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Start learning today
Free
Try this course - with limits
- Limited to 4 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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