Assessing elements of women's decisions about mammography.

W. Rakowski, C. E. Dube, B. H. Marcus, J. O. Prochaska, W. F. Velicer, D. B. Abrams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigated motivational and cognitive processes of behavior change with respect to mammography screening. One hundred forty-two women (ages 40 and older) recruited from three worksites answered a 41-item questionnaire consisting of statements based on constructs from the transtheoretical model of behavior change. Principal-components analysis identified two factors: a six-item component representing positive perceptions of mammography (Pros) and a six-item component representing avoidance of mammography (Cons). Analysis of variance showed that Pros, Cons, and a derived Decisional Balance measure (Pros minus Cons) were associated with stage of mammography adoption. Results are consistent with applications of the model to smoking cessation. The model is also discussed as it relates to other theories of behavior change and as a general strategy for analyzing perceptual data pertinent to health-related actions and intentions for behavioral change.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)111-118
Number of pages8
JournalHealth psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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