Applying Psychological Theories to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

Over the past few decades, researchers have been developing and refining psychological theories and models to provide solid behavioral frameworks for evidence-based research. Each year new theories and models are created; however, a select few appear to have withstood the test of time and continue to be frequently utilized in present-day research. The objectives of this review are to highlight these psychological theories and models and describe their application to various public health issues and behaviors. Descriptions and example applications of the following theories and models are described in this review: health belief model, theory of reasoned action/planned behavior, social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and socioecological model.