The Effect of Instruction Point of View on Self-efficacy for Performing Breast Self-exams

ABSTRACT

Background: Self-efficacy is an important predictor of performing health behaviors. Purpose: We invoked varying points of view (none, first person, third person) in standard instructions for breast self-exams (BSEs) to examine whether point of view taken would impact self-efficacy for and behavioral intentions regarding BSE. Methods: One hundred twenty women took part in an experiment that included reading instructions for proper performance of BSE. Measures of constructs from several common models used to predict health behavior (theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, health belief model, and health action process approach) were also included. Results: Compared to a control group who did not read about performing BSE, standard instructions and third-person instructions predicted self-efficacy but first-person instructions did not. Further, barriers to and attitudes toward performing BSE were related to self-efficacy and self-efficacy, objective risk, past BSE behavior, and attitude were related to behavioral intentions. Discussion: Our results suggest that adopting a third-person perspective can increase self-efficacy for performing BSE. Translation to Health Education Practice: Given the relative ease with which point-of-view manipulations can be implemented, Health Educators should explore the utility of point of view in the practice of other health behaviors.