Theory in a Nutshell

1.1 What is a theory?

1.2 The use of theory

1.3 Single theory or multiple theories?

2. Theories which explain health behaviour and health behaviour change by focussing on individual characteristics

2.1 The health belief model

2.2 The theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour

2.3 The transtheoretical (stages of change) model

2.4 Social Cognitive Theory

2.5 Summary

3. Theories which explain change in communities and communal action for health

3.1 Diffusion of innovation theory

3.2 Community Organisation and Community Building

3.3 Summary

4. Models which guide communication to bring about behaviour change

4.1 Health Literacy

4.2 Communication-behaviour change model

4.3 Social marketing

4.4 Summary

4. Models which explain change in organisations and the creation of health-supportive organisational practice

5.1 Theories of organisational change

5.2 Models of intersectoral action

5.3 Summary

6. Models which explain the development of healthy public policy

6.1 A framework for making healthy public policy

6.2 Evidence-based policy-making to promote health

6.3 Impact Assessment and Health Impact Assessment

6.4 Summary

Epilogue: Theory in practice