CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Health Education Specialist Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Theory of Planned Behavior is grounded in the understanding that human behavior is driven by behavioral intentions, which, in turn, are influenced by three types of beliefs: behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs. Control beliefs relate to the perceived presence or absence of factors that may facilitate or impede performance of the behavior. They reflect an individual’s belief about how much control they have over the behavior in question, including the resources and opportunities available to them.

Behavioral intent is indeed a crucial aspect of the theory, as it is the immediate precursor to actual behavior; however, it stems from the underlying beliefs rather than being a belief type itself. Normative influence encompasses the social pressures and perceived expectations of others, which also affect behavioral intentions but does not classify as a belief type. Cues to action refer to triggers that prompt a person to take action and are more related to the Health Belief Model rather than the Theory of Planned Behavior. Thus, control belief is the most accurate choice and plays a vital role in determining an individual’s intention and behavior.