Public Health: Analyzing Social Cognitive Theory and its Application

This report delves into the application of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) within the realm of public health, specifically addressing its adaptability across diverse cultural contexts. The report acknowledges SCT's widespread adoption, highlighting its focus on socio-structural determinants of health, as opposed to solely individual behavioral changes. It references key literature, such as Beauchamp, Crawford, and Jackson (2019), to emphasize SCT's emphasis on promoting overall well-being rather than solely disease prevention, aligning with a patient-centered approach. Furthermore, the report incorporates the perspectives of Devi, Khandelwal, and Das (2017), underscoring the multifactorial nature of SCT, which integrates self-efficacy beliefs with environmental and motivational factors. The conclusion underscores the importance of the theory in public health policy and in promoting health and preventing disease.

Running head: PUBLIC HEALTH
PUBLIC HEALTH
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

PUBLIC HEALTH
Social Cognitive Theory as the basis for a health promotion intervention is readily
adaptable across cultures
Social cognitive theory is used in various sectors that prioritise the knowledge
acquisition of an individual and is related to the observation of the context related to social
interaction, media influence and experiences. It is considered as a basis for the health
promotion intervention that has been willingly adopted across the cultures because it
addresses the socio-structural determinants of health that is identified in this model. It is
considered to be a comprehensive approach in term of health promotion strategy that requires
the change in the practice of the social systems as it has widespread effects in the
determinants of health rather than focusing on changing the habits of the patient which is
detrimental to health. Beauchamp, Crawford and Jackson (2019) opined that the health model
is more focused on promoting the health and well-being of individuals rather than the
prevention of disease. It can be stated that this theory operates on satisfying the demand of
the patients by helping them to be healthy with the support of productive self-management
habit related to health. As per the opinion of Devi, Khandelwal and Das (2017), the social
cognitive theory postulates a multifactorial casual structure that involves self-efficacy belief
that operates in conjunction to the identified goals, expectations and superficial
environmental factors that helps in regulation of the motivational factors, actions and well-
being of an individual. It incorporates the variables related to health and wellbeing that
overlaps the socio-cognitive aspect as well as psychosocial models of health that play an
essential role in the policy public health n promotion of health as well as disease prevention.

PUBLIC HEALTH
References
Beauchamp, M. R., Crawford, K. L., & Jackson, B. (2019). Social cognitive theory and
physical activity: Mechanisms of behavior change, critique, and legacy. Psychology
of Sport and Exercise, 42, 110-117.
Devi, B., Khandelwal, B., & Das, M. (2017). Application of Bandura’s social cognitive
theory in the technology enhanced, blended learning environment. International
Journal of Applied Research, 3(1), 721-724.