Health decision making and behavior: The role of affect-laden constructs

Renee E. Magnan, Bethany R. Shorey Fennell, Jacquelyn M. Brady

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

A common criticism of social cognitive models predicting health behavior is their exclusion of affect—an important component of individual-level decision processes for behavior change. Yet the role of affect, and its interaction with cognitions, is complex. We provide an overview of affect and pathways through which it is proposed to influence outcomes. Then, we discuss several common social cognitive models of health behavior change. Next, we highlight specific affect-laden constructs (those that incorporate affective and cognitive components) related to health behavior change. We aim to provide clarity on terminology and measurement of the affect-laden constructs and evidence associating them with health behavior. Finally, we discuss strategies for incorporating these constructs within popular cognitive-based theories and provide suggestions for future work.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere12333
JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology

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