Which of the following lists the core constructs of the Health Belief Model?

• A. Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy
• B. Perceived norms, social pressure, motivation, and social support
• C. Knowledge, attitude, practice
• D. Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance

Answer: (A)

The Health Belief Model explains health-related action as a result of how people perceive their risk and the value they place on taking action. The list that captures its constructs includes perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Perceived susceptibility and perceived severity shape the perceived threat of a health issue, so recognizing personal risk and how serious the condition could be helps motivate or deter action. Perceived benefits weigh how much a person believes the advised action will reduce the threat or improve outcomes, while perceived barriers consider the costs, effort, and obstacles to taking that action—if barriers loom large, motivation drops. Cues to action are triggers that prompt behavior, such as a reminder from a clinician, media message, or experiencing symptoms. Self-efficacy reflects confidence in one’s ability to perform the behavior, especially when challenges arise; without confidence, action is less likely even if threat and benefits are acknowledged. The other options align with different theories or models, not the Health Belief Model.