Compensatory Health Behavior in Bicycle Helmet use
N. Messerli-Bürgy1,2, M.S. Bachmann3, I. Pjanic1, J. Barth4, H. Znoj1
1University of Bern, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bern, Switzerland
2University of Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudoise, Lausanne, Switzerland
3University Hospital Basel, Academy of Swiss Insurance Medicine,Switzerland
4Trainer Academic Writing, Bern, Switzerland
Background: Compensatory health behavior (e.g. safer cycling without helmet) is used to compensate for risky behavior and is facilitated by self-efficacy. To which extent compensatory health behavior is influenced by self-efficacy in cyclist remained unclear. Methods: A total of 134 cyclists with different helmet wearing frequencies (occasionally (OH) or never helmet (NH)) were asked to fill out a questionnaire on their compensatory health behavior when cycling without a helmet and on their general self-efficacy. Findings: An interaction between self-efficacy and use of a helmet on compensatory health behavior was found. OH-users with high self-efficacy showed more compensatory health behavior than OH-users with low self-efficacy. This effect was not present in NH-users. Discussion: We assume that OH-users engage in compensatory health behavior, whereas NH-users do not adapt their behavior and face higher risk for accidents. These persons may require specific attention in preventive actions.