Knowing Risks Not Motivation to Quit
Thursday November 23, 2006
Why do some people continue bad habits when they know they are dangerous? A researcher from the University of Alberta says just communicating the danger of risky behavior or bad habits is not enough motivation for someone to quit, because it doesn't address the underlying reasons for the behavior. Dr. Cindy Jardine conducted two surveys which found that a large majority of people continued behavior that they themselves rated "very dangerous," such as drinking alcohol, smoking, overeating and stressing out."So they know alcohol is bad, but risk communicators aren't looking at the underlying reasons why people drink -- poverty, unemployment, there is a history of abuse in some of these families. If we could get to the underlying issues of what turns people to drink, we would do better in fully understanding the context of their lives," Jardine said in a news release. "If we're just telling people what we know about the health risks, chances are we aren't going to solve any problems." Jardine suggests researchers and other risk communicators need to talk to the people they're trying to reach, before forming their risk messages.
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Comments
Giant statements by Dr. Jardine and you printed them! Addressing “the underlying issues of what turns people to drink” drugs, overeat,..is really “risky” behavior because the answer has always been “disease.” Now, take away that excuse (disease) not to be responsible and it becomes pure choice. Jardine obviously supports this. Address the psychological issues for bad choices (ex. easing the pains of life)and you might just find out why some people conquer their addiction and others choose not to. The addictive personality is not a disease..it is a variety.
Drug treatment centers, detox programs, and other welcome centers survive because addressing “underlying reasons” is the cure and so few realize that that cure has been around for a long time. Bravo Dr. Jardine. Findings were not profound, but maybe someone will read the fine print…