Journal of health psychology
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Although food allergy can have serious health consequences, little is currently known about people's perceptions of food allergy. The present study examined the differences in awareness and perceptions of food allergy and anxiety between young people with and without a food allergy. Participants completed a questionnaire which asked about their perceptions and knowledge of allergies, perceived health competence and anxiety. ⋯ People with an allergy and with high health competence reported the greatest anxiety levels. Very few of the sample knew the meaning of the term 'anaphylaxis'. Findings are discussed in terms of health education implications and possibilities.
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This article seeks to contribute to the debate about participation and health by presenting a framework for psychosocial interventions in primary health care. It highlights the social psychological dimensions of participation and the role it plays in improving conditions of living and thus health. ⋯ The article discusses the challenges as well as the potential gains experienced in the process of participation presented. It concludes by reaffirming the importance of participation and empowerment in health interventions struggling against health inequalities and seeking health for all.
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Evidence-based health promotion programmes are based on empirical data and theory. While a broad range of social and behavioural science theories are available, the actual application of these theories in programme design remains a real challenge for health promotion planners. ⋯ It provides guidelines and tools for the selection of theoretical foundations and underpinnings of health promotion programmes, for the application of theory, and for the translation of theory in actual programme materials and activities. This article presents the protocol and elaborates on the application of theory, using examples from successful intervention programmes.
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Although meat consumption plays a significant role for individual and public health, there is only little empirical research on the motives of meat consumption informed by health psychology and hardly any on socio-political commitments concerning general meat production taking on a public health perspective. To fill this gap, a questionnaire study was conducted to examine the links between both disciplines. Correlational and multiple regression analyses reveal that individual meat consumption is primarily based on self-centred judgments of control beliefs protecting ones health and of taste, whereas socio-political commitments are based on a mixture of self-centred judgments and animal ethics. Based on these results, it is concluded, that models on health behaviour should integrate the social perspective, and that in intervention programs issues of individual as well as public health should be given equal importance.
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This article describes how 121 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer used a computer mediated discussion group to cope with their diagnosis. These data are part of a larger data set from a randomized clinical trial assessing the impact of a computer-based system called CHESS (the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System) on health outcomes. ⋯ This study looks at how women of color and Caucasian women used the CHESS discussion group over the period of the study. Content analysis of messages in the discussion group showed that women of color used the discussion group differently from Caucasian women-they used it less frequently but their messages were more focused on breast cancer, suggesting they used discussion group more instrumentally.