Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Health Education Programming for Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to demonstrate how the use of health education models, specifically of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), an expanded version of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), can enhance and strengthen family/caregiver programming and the individual experiences of participants. To this end, this paper explores the value of theory to health education practice and looks at the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the well-being of family members and caregivers. Secondly, it applies the TPB to the Holland and Shigaki three-phase family/caregiver education program for TBI. And, finally, the potential merits of this exercise are examined.