Ace the Certified in Public Health (CPH) Exam 2025 – Launch Your Health Hero Journey!

The correct answer emphasizes the shared perspective of social cognitive theory and the social ecological model in considering multiple levels of influence on behavior. Both frameworks acknowledge that individual behavior does not occur in isolation but is instead influenced by a range of personal and environmental factors.

Social cognitive theory emphasizes the interplay between individual characteristics, behaviors, and environmental influences. It recognizes that people's actions are shaped not just by their personal beliefs and experiences but also by the social environment, which includes observational learning from peers and societal norms.

Similarly, the social ecological model takes a broader view by illustrating how various social environments, including family, community, and societal factors, impact health behaviors. It outlines multiple layers (individual, interpersonal, community, and policy) that affect health outcomes, thereby underlining the importance of both individual and environmental determinants.

This commonality between the two theories highlights the complexity of behavior change strategies, which must consider not only personal motivations and skills but also the surrounding social contexts and environmental conditions that facilitate or hinder those behaviors.