The Role of Theory in Developing Psycho-Environmental Interventions

• Main Authors: Jorge Raúl Palacios Delgado, José Marcos Bustos Aguayo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2012-12-01
• Series: Psychosocial Intervention
• Online Access: http://www.copmadrid.org/webcopm/publicaciones/social/in2012v21n3a2.pdf

One of the activities of psychology is to promote positive change in personal behavior. This article show the usefulness of the theory for behavior change through design effective messages to behavioral change and development programs of psychosocial intervention. The theoretical model focuses in factors of behavioral changing: self-efficacy, skills, disposition and intention (MAHDI). The article describes the theory, shows how they can be applied to the selection environmental behavior, as well as their appropriate application in complementary intervention strategies that includes needs analysis, development and piloting program, applicability, social marketing and evaluation. Finally, how the theory can contribute to design youth intervention programs is discussed.