[hr-education] Re: Studies on attitudes and knowledge about human rights among general public

I was at a recent workshop - and had an ahh haa moment.  Why haven't I
been considering behavior change theories in my program planning and
activities.  I went back to my office to look at some of my college books
on my shelf.

Specifically, I think we need to begin questions - what are the additional
factors that have the potential to influence behavior change?  More on a
community level rather than all on an individual.

I have found that many of the programs and activities that have been
implemented are considered the easiest to do - those addressing knowledge
and attitude which fall under predisposition factors (which include
attitude, knowledge, beliefs, values and perceptions, facilitating or
hindering personal motivation for change).  I am finding that my
activities have been not including - values, perceptions...  in addition
to enabling factors (barriers created mainly by societal forces or systems
- e.g.  limited resources available, not enough instructors teaching this
information, laws or policies that aren't enforced) or reinforcing factors
(feedback the learner receives from others - peers, family, community -
that either encourage or discourage the behavior).

I guess the question is how are our human rights educational programs and
activities addressing the reinforcing factors.  How are we changing the
community's norms?

I feel like we give out all the knowledge and skills for the desired
behavior - but the learner has to go back out into the community that
doesn't support it.

Beth Malchus
Ohio Department of Health



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