Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

FOUNDATIONS OF DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT| 2-65

Summarizing behaviour change theories Overall, the theories share the following general considerations regarding change in health behaviour: • Change depends on one’s perception of the problem, their attitude and their beliefs. • Change depends on context. • Understanding alone does not lead to change. • Change does not occur equally across all behaviours. • Change can have different causes.

Shared constructs: • Self-efficacy • Perceived risk • Readiness to change • Barriers that inhibit change • Conviction for change Necessary skills for self-management: • Problem-solving • Decision-making • Resource utilization

• Patient/health-care provider partnership • Taking action (achieving meaningful goals)

“Habitual healthful behaviours arise from successful self-regulation and resilience. Successful forming of a new behaviour depends on a strong willpower fueled by adequate cognizance, (understanding and reasoning) and emotional intelligence (motivation and self efficacy). These become effective when the behaviour is highly valued and in line with the purpose of life for the person” (155).