Behavior Change Theories to Promote Healthy Lifestyle as Church Programs

The trans-theoretical theory states that a person with a certain risky health behavior is ready to change toward a better behavior depending on the stage where he belongs. This theory can be used beyond the traditionally used case in changing the behavior of smokers (Han, Gabriel, & Kohl III, 2017). The church is the single important institution that can influence the behavior of the patient based on the set of beliefs and values of their faith. A church member will be motivated to conform to his religious values and change their behavior depending on the stage in the theory where one belongs.  For example, a church can advocate for a healthy active lifestyle and encourage those living a sedentary life to join them in a dance or Hula-hoop sessions (Abundant Health, 2018). A person, although he knows that their church is teaching that an important aspect of their church life is living actively, will not join the Hula-hoop sessions if he is still in the pre-contemplation stage. This is because the church member does not see the benefit of the change in behavior.  The trans-theoretical theory states that a person will only be ready to go into action if that person is past the contemplation stage and is already in the preparation stage (Lamorte, 2018) thus church members are expected to take part in dancing the Hula-hoop in the next 30 days if they are in the preparation stage. These church members who actively engage in healthy lifestyle and activities like dancing, Zumba and other active lifestyle programs are already in the action stage (Han, Gabriel, & Kohl III, 2017). Churches can continue to promote healthy behaviors for its members and they will continue to participate if they are already in the maintenance stage which makes the behavior change sustainable in the long run (Lamorte, 2018).

Numerous studies have already shown evidence on the important role of the church in promoting healthy lifestyle and better health. Church health programs have been effective partners in promoting healthy behaviors among its members (Campbell, et al., 2007). Incorporating the belief and values system of its members to behavioral theories will produce a more directed and focused health promotion interventions that benefits the church as well as the health outcomes (Campbell, et al., 2007). The use of behavioral change theory can help churches plan their ministries that impacts greatly the health of its member and the community through activities it is already doing.

References

Abundant Health. (2018, April 6). HULAPALOOZA CELEBRATES ABUNDANT HEALTH AROUND THE WORLD. Retrieved October 20, 2018, from https://umcabundanthealth.org/hulapalooza-around-the-world/

Campbell, M., Hudson, M. A., Resnicow, K., Blakeney, N., Paxton, A., & Baskin, M. (2007, April 21). Church-Based Health Promotion Interventions: Evidence and Lessons Learned. doi:https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.28.021406.144016

Han, H., Gabriel, K., & Kohl III, H. (2017, April 17). Application of The transtheoretical model to sedentary behaviors and its association with physical activity status. Retrieved October 22, 2018, from PLOS: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0176330

Lamorte, W. (2018, August 29). The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change). Retrieved October 22, 2018, from Boston University: http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories6.html