Internet Health Promotion and Behavior Change Theory: An Integrated Model Applied to Internet Interventions to Enhance Prevention and Early Detection

Abstract

This paper is the study of the theoretical models of mental health promotion and behavior change. It presents the Integrated Model of Health Promotion and Behavior Change theory as it applies to Internet Self-Help to show how the Internet by Case Identification through the screening recruitment strategy enhances prevention and early intervention in mild to moderate depression in the high-prevalence target group of 18-24 year University students. It found that early detection can be facilitated most cost-effectively through case identification by targeted population screening of at-risk groups. It shows, using the conceptual and transtheoretical models of behavior change, how such strategies lead to a decrease in the incidence, severity and longevity of depression. Early detection through case identification gives help that is personalized, widely accessible, can help a large proportion of the community and may lead to a decrease in health care costs.