Chapter Twenty Two

Perspectives on Using Theory: Past, Present, and Future

Karen Glanz and Barbara K. Rimer

Chapter Twenty-Two provides a historical overview and future propositions for the field of health behavior theory. There is no additional online content.


Key Points

This chapter

  • Looks back on health behavior theory over the past decades and at present and identifies ways to anticipate future challenges.
  • Proposes key cross-cutting propositions to put the use of health behavior theory in perspective.
  • Identifies commonalities in how the first four chapters in Part Five describe tools, strategies, models, and issues for applying theory in health education and health behavior.
  • Challenges readers to use theory effectively in developing and evaluating interventions to improve the health of individuals and populations.