The interplay between values and affective attitudes on health behaviors

Abstract

Background: Understanding the relationships between affective attitudes and values may contribute to health decision making models (Bardi & Schwartz, 2003). Present study investigates interrelations between values (health value/value of exciting life), affective attitudes (explicit/implicit) and risky/preventive behaviors among adolescents. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for 50 adolescents each completed the Rokeach Value Survey, the Health Attitudes Questionnaire, the Implicit Associations Test and the Health Behaviors Questionnaire. The relationships between variables were assessed using correlation and mediation analysis. Findings: Explicit attitudes mediated the relationship between health value and preventive behaviors (95% CI [.0989, 7544] as well as the relationship between value of exciting life and risky behaviors (95% CI [.0255, 5120]). Implicit attitudes positively correlated with health value (r = 0.437, p < 0.01) and negatively with value of exciting life (r = -0.433, p < 0.01). Discussion: Health value and value of exciting life are associated with attractiveness of preventive/risky behaviors. Affective attitudes play a mediating role for value-behaviors link. These findings may be applied to programs dealing with affective attitudes to promote healthy lifestyle among adolescents.