Social Cognition Theory and Its Role in HIV/AIDS Prevention

This paper assesses the role of social cognition theory in inducing changes in health-related attitudes and behaviors among HIV/AIDS patients. It discusses the barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention and the need for theory-based interventions for behavior change. The paper also highlights the impact of social cognition theory on HIV infection and crystal methamphetamine use.

Running Head: PSYCHOLOGY 1
Social cognition. theory
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Introduction

PSYCHOLOGY 2
One of the most common barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention is lack of awareness and risk
behaviors such condom use, drug use, and different sexual partners. Behavioral interventions
often do not address the social and structural factors that contribute to HIV infections (Nunn et
al., 2012). The paper assesses the role of one of the main theoretical perspectives from the
outlook of health-related behavior. Social cognition theory can help induce changes in health-
related attitudes and behaviors among HIV/AIDS patients.
Social cognition refers to how the human mind operates based on social interactions.
How it perceives, interprets and responds by looking at the behavior of others points to the social
influence (Soontornniyomkij et al., 2016). The theory takes into account that the past experiences
and learnings shape a specific behavior. Social cognition theory is commonly used in health
promotion and maintaining the right behavior to achieve the desired health objectives. It is the
most widely used models to control sexual transmission risk behaviors (Safren et al., 2010).
Social cognition theory advocates the use of the mind as an active force to encode information to
modify behaviors. The interaction of the environment, observation, and feedback enforce a
structure for one’s own actions. Moreover, cognitions can change and mature with time.
HIV/AIDS patients med to practice contraceptive use to prevent HIV transmission.
Giving them the right information and motivating them to practice certain behaviors are a
prerequisite for behavior change (Munro et al., 2007). There is a growing body of literature that
shows that social cognition impacts HIV infection and crystal methamphetamine (Meth) use
independently (Soontornniyomkij et al., 2016). HIV infection along with Meth is indeed a
complex social behavior. Behavior change interventions promote an understanding of health
behavior, and it is a considerable challenge to health authorities to maintain the treatment
adherence among patients (Munro et al., 2007).

PSYCHOLOGY 3
Most of the HIV sexual transmission risk behavior models predict if the individuals will
use the protection of condoms when having sex. These model focus on the cognitive pathways to
induce behavior change (Safren et al., 2010). The individuals go through the cognitive process of
practicing safer sex and using condoms. As stated by Li et al. (2011), the growing HIV epidemic
has led to several adolescent HIV prevention interventions that focus on reducing sexual risk
behaviors and delay sex initiation in developed and developing countries. Global literature
suggests how theory-based HIV prevention and interventions have been effective among
adolescents to reduce sexual risk behaviors. HIV intervention programs in the United States have
shown a positive impact by delaying the sex initiation, increasing contraception and lowering the
number of sexual partners. (Li et al., 2011).
Further research is required in the area of theory-based interventions for behavior change.
There are several barriers to treatment adherence, and it is essential to overcome those barriers to
long-term medication adherence particularly in HIV epidemics (Munro et al., 2007).
Nevertheless, Social cognition theory has helped modify health behaviors and design effective
interventions to promote treatment adherence. These model as can influence the learners
positively through the interdependent process of observational learning.
References

PSYCHOLOGY 4
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