4.7 Article

Explanations for the Cloudy Evidence That Theory Benefits Health Promotion

Journal

FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Volume 13, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.910041

Keywords

health promotion; health psychology; health behavior; theory; scientific representation

Funding

  1. School of Social Work at San Diego State University
  2. California State University, Fullerton

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Persuasive arguments for using theory have been influential in health behavior and health promotion research. However, empirical evaluations have not consistently demonstrated strong effects, which can be attributed to confounding factors, unreliable measurement of theory use, confusion between models and theories, and a lack of consideration for the evidentiary status and applicability of theories. Addressing these challenges could improve research and practice.
Persuasive arguments for using theory have been influential in health behavior and health promotion research. The use of theory is expected to improve intervention outcomes and facilitate scientific advancement. However, current empirical evaluations of the benefits of theory have not consistently demonstrated strong effects. A lack of resolution on this matter can be attributed to several features of the current body of evidence. First, the use of theory may be confounded with other features that impact health-related outcomes. Second, measurement of theory use has not been reliable. Third, the field conflates models and theories. Lastly, the evidentiary status and applicability of theories are not considered. Addressing these challenges during the execution of meta-analyses and designing original research specifically to estimate the benefits of theory could improve research and practice.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available