Perceived severity[1] is a concept derived from health behavior theories, particularly the Health Belief Model (HBM)[2], that refers to an individual’s belief regarding the seriousness of a health issue and its potential consequences. This perception significantly impacts an individual’s motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors or modify risky behaviors. Understanding the role of perceived severity in behavior change is crucial for mental health professionals and clinicians who aim to promote healthier lifestyles among their clients. This article explores how perceived severity influences behavior change and motivation.
Understanding Perceived Severity
Perceived severity encompasses two main aspects:
- Subjective Assessment: Individuals assess the seriousness of a health condition based on personal beliefs, experiences, and cultural influences.[3] This subjective evaluation may differ from the actual severity of the condition.
- Consequences Awareness: Perceived severity also involves an understanding of the potential consequences of the health issue, including physical, emotional, social, and economic impacts. This awareness can motivate individuals to take preventive measures or change their behaviors.
Factors that Influence Perceived Severity:
- Personal Experience: Individuals who have experienced health issues or witnessed them in others may have a heightened sense of severity associated with specific conditions.
- Cultural Beliefs: Cultural norms and beliefs can shape perceptions of severity. In some cultures, certain illnesses may be seen as more severe due to cultural stigma or traditional beliefs.[4]
- Information and Education: Access to accurate information about health risks and consequences can significantly influence individuals’ perceptions of severity. Educational programs, health campaigns, and discussions with healthcare providers can raise awareness and enhance understanding.
The Role of Perceived Severity in Behavior Change
Perceived severity plays a critical role in motivating behavior change in several ways:
- Increased Motivation: When individuals perceive a health issue as serious, they are more likely to feel motivated to take action. This increased motivation may lead to adopting healthier behaviors, such as quitting smoking, exercising, or adhering to treatment plans.
- Prompting Preventive Measures: Awareness of the potential severity of a health condition can prompt individuals to engage in preventive measures. For instance, understanding the severity of heart disease may encourage individuals to adopt a heart-healthy diet and exercise routine.
- Facilitating Risk Assessment: Perceived severity aids individuals in evaluating their personal risk. When individuals believe that the consequences of a health issue are severe, they are more likely to assess their behaviors critically and make necessary changes.
- Goal Setting and Commitment: A strong perception of severity can lead to the establishment of specific health-related goals.[5] Individuals may set clear objectives for behavior change, such as regular medical check-ups, weight loss, or stress management.
- Enhancing Self-Efficacy: When individuals believe that the severity of a condition warrants action, it can boost their self-efficacy— the belief in their ability to effect change. Increased self-efficacy may lead to greater efforts to adopt healthy behaviors.
- Reinforcing Behavioral Consistency: Individuals who recognize the seriousness of a health issue may be more consistent in adhering to healthy behaviors and treatment recommendations.[6] This consistency can help mitigate the perceived severity and prevent negative health outcomes.
Practical Applications of Perceived Severity in Behavior Change
Mental health professionals can leverage perceived severity to enhance motivation and facilitate behavior change in their clients:
- Assess and Discuss Perceptions: Begin by assessing clients’ perceptions of severity regarding health issues. Engage them in discussions about their beliefs and feelings about the seriousness of various conditions.
- Educate and Inform: Provide clients with accurate, evidence-based information about health risks and the consequences of certain behaviors. This education can help shape their understanding of perceived severity.
- Use Personal Narratives: Share stories and testimonials from individuals who have experienced serious health issues. Personal narratives can make the concept of severity more relatable and impactful.
- Encourage Reflection: Prompt clients to reflect on their health behaviors and consider the potential consequences of their actions. This reflection can help them recognize the importance of addressing perceived severity.[7]
- Goal Setting: Support clients in establishing clear and realistic health-related goals based on their perceptions of severity. This process can help them take actionable steps toward behavior change.
- Reinforce Positive Behavior: Acknowledge and celebrate clients’ efforts to change their behaviors in response to perceived severity.[8] Positive reinforcement can strengthen their motivation and commitment to maintaining healthier habits.
Conclusion
Perceived severity is a critical factor in the behavior change process, influencing motivation, goal setting, and self-efficacy. By understanding and addressing clients’ perceptions of the seriousness of health issues, mental health professionals can design effective interventions that promote behavior change. Enhancing awareness of severity, providing education, and fostering reflection can empower individuals to take proactive steps toward better health. Recognizing the importance of perceived severity is essential for facilitating sustainable behavior change and encouraging individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles. By leveraging perceived severity, clinicians can help clients navigate their health journeys with greater awareness and motivation, ultimately leading to improved well-being and quality of life.
[1] Colomé, Àngels, Javier Rodríguez-Ferreiro, and Elisabet Tubau. “Too worried to judge: on the role of perceived severity in medical decision-making.” Frontiers in Psychology 9 (2018): 1906.
[2] Rosenstock, Irwin M. “Health Belief Model.” (2000).
[3] Kim, Hyuksoo, and YoungAh Lee. “Influencing optimistic bias: Moderating roles of perceived severity and proximity.” Journal of Consumer Behaviour (2024).
[4] Owadara, Felicia O. “Cultural beliefs, social support and societal ascribed roles as determinants of patients’ perception of illness symptom.” Int J Soc Work Hum Serv Pract 2.1 (2014): 1-10.
[5] Gollwitzer, Peter M., and Gabriele Oettingen. The role of goal setting and goal striving in medical adherence. American Psychological Association, 2007.
[6] Lu, Richard W. Surveying Personality with Behavior: The Situational Influences and Individual Outcomes of Self-Monitoring Behavior. University of California, Berkeley, 2019.
[7] Haileamlak, Abraham. “What factors affect health seeking behavior?.” Ethiopian journal of health sciences 28.2 (2018): 110-110.
[8] Lehman, Tanya Justine. Empowering Our Youth: Using school-based programs to increase knowledge and self-efficacy among youth to make positive behavior choices. Diss. University of Pittsburgh, 2009.