Protection Motivation Theory Paper

Words: 546
Pages: 3

Teenage pregnancy has been an issue in the United States for quite some time. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the national teen pregnancy rate has declined significantly over the last two decades (2015). Many health programs have been developed all over the country to educate teens on the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy. The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) is a model that could be used to create such a program to lower teenage pregnancy. This theory, increases awareness of the potential health threat to the individual’s health, acknowledges the risk factors and the rewards of making a behavioral change.
Before the planning of a health program can begin, it is important to understand the social behaviors of the priority population as well as the environmental factors that could possibly influence certain behaviors. You must also decide if this particular population can benefit from this type of health program. Understanding their socioeconomic status is necessary to develop an appropriate intervention program.
The teenagers in the priority population need to be more aware of the possible consequences of their actions. This could be accomplished by having someone who was a teenage parent at one time,
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Drinking, being in the wrong places with the wrong people and certain social behaviors are all contributing factors. Certain behaviors and attitudes are putting them at a much higher risk for the threat. If they can recognize these behaviors then they can reevaluate themselves and decide to make smarter choices. It is important to not only identify the contributing factors but also acknowledge the positive behaviors that reduce pregnancy risks. The teenagers also need to learn about self-control. They need to realize that they do have control over where they go, who they are hanging out with and the decisions that they make around their