Theory in a Nutshell is an excellent introductory text for health promotion students, as well as a valuable summary of theories that practitioners will turn to again and again.
Provides an overview of several of the most influential theories and models which are used to guide current health promotion practice. Based around the premise that the use of theory can help achieve a better fit between problem and program, this guide has been written with an emphasis on accessibility and brevity. Readers are given an explanation of the main elements of each theory, followed by a commentary outlining the relative strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Recommendations for futher reading along with helpful tables and figures are also included.
Don Nutbeam is Pro Vice- Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences at Sydney University. He was formerly head of Public Health in the UK Department of Health.
Elizabeth Harris is Director of the Centre for Health Equity, Training, Research and Evaluation, based at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney and the University of New South Wales.