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Dimensions and profiles of the generalized health‐related self‐concept
Author(s) -
Wiesmann Ulrich,
Niehörster Gabriele,
Hannich HansJoachim,
Hartmann Ute
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1348/135910707x256699
Subject(s) - psychology , vulnerability (computing) , set (abstract data type) , cognition , health belief model , self concept , perspective (graphical) , mental health , social psychology , developmental psychology , health education , public health , medicine , psychiatry , computer security , nursing , artificial intelligence , computer science , programming language
Objectives We explore the significance of health as a potentially self‐relevant category from the perspective of dynamic self‐concept theory. Our intention was to describe the dimensional structure of the generalized health‐related self‐concept, to identify particular prototypes of health‐related self‐definition, and to see if these prototypes would differ with respect to appraisals of health behaviour and subjective health. Design We conducted a cross‐sectional questionnaire study involving 545 college students (23.3% male) at the mean age of 22 years. Methods The self‐administered questionnaire assessed a relevant spectrum of health‐related cognitions denoting their generalized declarative knowledge about their health (the generalized health‐related self‐concept). Additionally, participants rated their multiple health behaviour, their perceived health, and their anticipated vulnerability. Results A principal components analysis of the health‐related cognitions revealed the following five dimensions: health‐protective dispositions, health‐protective motivation, vulnerability, health‐risky habits, and external, avoidant motivation. A two‐step cluster analysis of the five components identified six profiles of health‐related self‐concept: careless/carefree, omnipotents, risk‐takers, mentally affected, reluctant‐avoidant, and medically fragile. These prototypes could be successfully reclassified (97.6%). The six profiles differed with respect to their health behaviour and subjective health appraisals. Conclusions The dimensional structure represents both resources and deficits with respect to an individual's health‐related self‐concept. An individual's profile of these dimensions might correspond to a characteristic set of particular health needs and motivations. Successful health communications should follow a complementary strategy of affirming the self‐concept.