The relationship between perceived risk, affect, and health behaviors.
In this study, we examined the relationship between affect and health behaviors. The study participants were women (n = 1366), aged 18-74 years, who had not been previously diagnosed with breast cancer, who had a working telephone number and address, who spoke English, who planned to be in their present residence for at least 1 year, and who were willing to complete the survey requirements. General anxiety was a significant predictor of eating a low-fat diet, in a quadratic manner (p < .05). General anxiety and breast cancer worry were significant predictors of breast self-examination, in a quadratic fashion (p < .05). None of four independent variables, perceived risk, cancer worry, general anxiety, and general depression scores, were significantly related to mammography use, physical activity, or fruit and vegetable consumption. We must look beyond risk perceptions and family history to understand motivations for health behaviors.
Bowen
Deborah J
DJ
Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N, M3-B232, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA. dbowen@fhcrc.org
Alfano
Catherine M
CM
McGregor
Bonnie A
BA
Andersen
M Robyn
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination; D003863:Depression; D004032:Diet; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D010465:Perception; D012306:Risk; D014675:Vegetables