ies that could explain the particular health-compromising behavior in question. The first one is the Health-Belief Model. Godfrey Hochbaum and Stephen Kegels originated it in 1952. Its purpose was to provide a systematic method to predict and explain preventative health behavior. Health belief model proposes that an individual's actions are based on his or her beliefs. There have been numerous studies done to support this model (Ford & Norris, 1995); Winfield, 1998). Another theory that can be used to explain the concept of health compromising behaviors is the Theory of Reasoned Action. Fishbein and Ajzen proposed this theory in 1975. The theory proposes that people are assumed to be rational, deliberate thinkers, who act on the basis of what they know; attitudes and subjective norms is what determines their intentions. In the specific scenario, you are morel likely to use a condom if that is something you know and have used before. If it is unfamiliar to you to use a condom than the theory of reasoned action states that you would be less likely to use a condom. Studies have been found in support of this theory in past research (Roach, 1998; Greene, et al, 1997).The Theory of Planned Behavior can also be used to explain the behavior. This theory too was postulated by Azjen, however it was in 1985. It is an extended version of the Theory of Reasoned Action, with the exception of this theory incorporating perceived behavior control. Ajzen proposed that perceived behavioral control influences behavioral intentions independently of attitudes and subjective norms. The theory states that the planned behavior is linked to an attitude toward a specific behavior, subjective norms, and the degree of perceived control. In the case of the scenario, the male would have to formulate his intentions, by taking into account whether or not he was capable of performing the behavior without a condom. In this case, self-efficacy would have ...
