Information—Motivation—Behavioral Skills Model
Definition
Information—Motivation—Behavioral Skills Model refers to a multivariate framework for understanding and promoting health behavior change across diverse contexts, including pandemic prevention. The model posits that behavior change is determined by three core components: accurate Information about transmission and prevention, personal and social Motivation to act, and the necessary Behavioral Skills to perform preventive actions effectively. The IMB model provides a systematic, evidence-based foundation for designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions to promote and maintain preventive behaviors at individual, interpersonal, and community levels in pandemic contexts.
Sources: Fisher & Fisher (2023)
Related Terms
Applications
Information—Motivation—Behavioral Skills Model and Pandemic Prevention Behavior
The IMB model provides a systematic framework for understanding the determinants and dynamics of pandemic risk and preventive behavior, addressing specific actions such as social distancing, mask utilization, testing, vaccination, and antiviral treatment. The model's application to pandemic prevention aims to enable public health responses to be more proactive, immediate, and effective in promoting and maintaining the widespread, voluntary, sustained behavior change necessary to contain pandemics.
Sources: Fisher & Fisher (2023)
Information—Motivation—Behavioral Skills Model and COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake
The IMB model can be applied to understanding and changing COVID-19 vaccination and booster uptake in both adults and children, as well as infrequent use of antivirals among those infected and at risk for complications. Model-based interventions designed according to IMB principles could have impact on promoting these critical preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources: Fisher & Fisher (2023)
