The Activated Health Education model: refinement and implications for school health education.

Abstract

A behaviorally based, health education instructional model was developed from a review of successful health education interventions. The analysis identified three principles common to improvement of health behavior among program participants: 1) active involvement in the intervention process, 2) awareness of the positive and negative influences of the behavior on health, and 3) personal responsibility for managing health behavior. These principles and several theoretical premises then were organized into a structural framework for the model. Next, studies were conducted to validate applications of these conditions and refine strategic components. The model then was formatted into a curricular design to achieve optimum behavior and provide ease of replication. Research related to developing and field testing the model are included. The model's limitations and strengths, implications for school health education, and plans for the future are presented.