Health behavior change: quitting smoking – theories, frameworks, models of change

Reflexivity is important for health promotion practice. Frohlich, Poland & Shareck (2017) suggest that reflexivity includes “(1) attention to the tacit knowledge and perspectives practitioners bring to their work; (2) an openness to being transformed by the experience of engaging individuals who may question the practice of health promotion; (3) a questioning of ‘received knowledge’… (4) a curiosity about and openness towards other perspectives and ways of seeing; and (5) an awareness of power relations and one’s own social location and positionality…” (p. 117).

During the Fall semester, students will have the opportunity to learn about the different theories, frameworks and models of change (e.g., complexity theory, ‘health belief model’, ecological approach, resiliency theory, intersectionality, etc.) that inform health promotion research and practice. This 8-page maximum reflection paper will provide you with an opportunity to further investigate and critique a health promotion theory (i.e., perspectives/frameworks/models) in relation to your own process of health behaviour change (My behavior change is to start smoking less cigarettes, specifically to be smoking 4 per day or less) This means the research and theories have to be linked to quitting smoking.

Drawing upon several class readings, additional literature, your reflection should include a minimum of 6 references – 3 of which should be from peer-reviewed, academic journals not on the assigned readings. Large quotations of more than 40 words are discouraged.

The paper must be typewritten and double-spaced. You must use correct APA 6th edition format for your title page and any citations. The use of ‘I’ is welcomed.