ISSN:
1559-1816
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Psychology
Notes:
A five-item measure of value on health, a new variable in the Personality System of Problem-Behavior Theory (Jessor & Jessor, 1977), was construct-validated using cross-sectional data from 1588 male and female 7–12th grade students. Three aspects of construct validity were explored: first, the convergent and discriminant validity of the Value on Health Scale with other health-related psychosocial measures; second, the predictive validity of the Value on Health Scale in relation to health behaviors; and third, the theoretical validity of the Value on Health Scale in relation to other constructs reflecting conventionality-unconventionality in Problem-Behavior Theory. Value on Health related significantly to other health-related psychosocial measures such as self-description of health, and parental and peer models for health-enhancing behavior. Value on Health also related significantly to greater involvement in health-enhancing behaviors (e.g., regular physical exercise, seatbelt use, and attention to healthy diet). Finally, Value on Health was linked to a larger network of psychosocial and behavioral characteristics that reflect the underlying dimension of conventionality-unconventionality in the Problem-Behavior Theory framework. Value on health seems to be a useful addition to personality attributes that help explain variation in health behavior among adolescents. It would also seem to be an important target for prevention/intervention efforts with that age group.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1989.tb01225.x
Permalink
