Which of the Health Belief Model constructs is NOT considered one of its core elements?

• A. Perceived cost
• B. Perceived susceptibility
• C. Perceived severity
• D. Cues to action

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested here is which ideas the Health Belief Model formally includes as its core constructs. In the model, people’s motivation to act is shaped by how they view their risk (perceived susceptibility) and how serious they think the condition and its consequences are (perceived severity). They also consider the benefits of taking action and the barriers or costs involved, cues to action that prompt behavior, and self-efficacy, or confidence in their ability to act. The concept of cost does appear, but only as part of perceived barriers, not as a standalone core construct. So labeling it as “perceived cost” isn’t consistent with the standard core constructs, whereas perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and cues to action are clearly recognized parts of the model.