THIS IS THE MAIN POST
Many people use the internet to investigate their medical symptoms (e.g., WebMD). Sometimes this can have the effect of worsening health anxiety. Please review the Doherty-Torstrick (2016) article and describe how you would advise patients on this issue. Then, please describe how either the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, or Self-Determination Theory might apply to repetitive online symptom-checking beh
THIS IS THE RESPOND TO THE MAIN POST FOR DEE
This discussion three I have been waiting for someone to really have a great discussion regarding self-diagnosing with websites such as MD. I have also done this to myself before increasing my anxiety even more. Lost a whole night of sleeping feeling like death was knocking out my door. Last year I was able to convince myself after viewing Google for a couple of hours into thinking I had brain cancer. Yes! Brain cancer when the whole time after going to the doctor I was only suffering a migraine. A couple of test and health bills later I realize that it was not hard to self diagnose and stress myself out worsening my anxiety levels.
The article examines experiential associates of online searching side effect looking through utilizing approved clinical measures and information from a huge, self-chose, unknown web populace test who underwrite checking their physical symptoms for reassurance through online searching.
When human engage on the computer inattention to base rates of serious illnesses during internet-symptom-checking may create a uniquely dangerous environment for those predisposed to worry about their health which causes additional stress factors. The important factor that was mention was the increase in health literacy and health education. Increasing awareness helps with understanding how complex basic online searching can lead to Doherty-Torstrick (2016).
Jones (2015) touches the basis on the health belief model to achieve optimal behavior change if they successfully target perceived barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, and threats. While the model seems to be an ideal explanatory framework for communication research, theoretical limitations have limited its use in the field. To understand the failures of individuals to adopt disease prevention methodologies or screening tests for the early identification of ailment. I think the direct correlation is centered around one’s perception of the benefits and barriers related to health behavior.
References
Doherty-Torstrick, E. R., Walton, K. E., & Fallon, B. A. (2016). Cyberchondria: parsing health anxiety from online behavior. Psychosomatics, 57(4), 390-400
Jones, C. L., Jensen, J. D., Scherr, C. L., Brown, N. R., Christy, K., & Weaver, J. (2015). The Health Belief Model as an explanatory framework in communication research: exploring parallel, serial, and moderated mediation. Health communication, 30(6), 566576. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2013.873363
