Social learning theory and the prediciton of attendance at screening

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Abstract
Previous work which has employed social learning theory to predict the performance of preventive health behaviours (PHBs) has tended to focus on the role of health locus of control (HLOC) beliefs and health value. The role of behaviour-specific efficacy beliefs has been largely overlooked. The present study attempted therefore to predict attendance at general health screening from a consideration of HLOC beliefs, health value and belief in the efficacy of screening. Results showed the HLOC × Health Value interactions to be unable to discriminate between attenders and non-attenders. However, with the inclusion of belief in the efficacy of screening it was possible to predict attendance behaviour. Even so, the amount of variance explained was small, thus calling into question the utility of social learning theory in the prediction of PHBs.