Running head: HEALTH BELIEF MODEL AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION An application of the health belief model to the prediction of breast self-examination in a national sample of women with a family history of breast cancer

Women with a family history of breast cancer (N=833) completed questionnaires that assessed the main constructs of the health belief model (HBM), self-efficacy, behavioral intention and past behavior in relation to breast self-examination (BSE). Regression analyses revealed that intentions to perform BSE were predicted by perceived benefits, perceived emotional barriers, perceived skill barriers, self-efficacy and past behavior. At 9-month follow-up, BSE performance was predicted by perceived benefits, self-efficacy and past behavior. The results provide strong support for the inclusion of self-efficacy in the HBM. However, the significant effects for past behavior indicate that the HBM is not a sufficient model of BSE intentions or behavior and that it may benefit from further development. The practical implications of the results are outlined.