The productive use of threat in primary care: behavioural responses to health promotion.

The importance of a scientific understanding of the behavioural change processes involved in certain health promotion interventions is stressed. A model for guiding the behavioural dimensions in health promotion in primary care is presented. This distinguishes between information-giving and -providing skills to facilitate behavioural change. The social factors which impinge upon processes of behaviour change are highlighted. It is suggested that health promotion clinics in primary care may produce a situation with which the client has to cope. The manner of their coping will be a critical factor in determining outcome. Some key organizational issues are underlined.