Publications [#254028] of Kathleen J. Sikkema

Journal Articles

1. Winett, RA; Anderson, ES; Desiderato, LL; Solomon, LJ; Perry, M; Kelly, JA; Sikkema, KJ; Roffman, RA; Norman, AD; Lombard, DN; Lombard, TN (1995). Enhancing social diffusion theory as a basis for prevention intervention: A conceptual and strategic framework. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 4(4), 233-245. [doi]
   (last updated on 2021/12/08)

   Abstract:
   Social diffusion theory has recently been recognized as a promising approach for large-scale disease prevention and health promotion efforts. This paper describes how principles and tactics from social cognitive theory, operant psychology, social psychology, social marketing, and the overarching stages of change model can be used to further develop the conceptual and strategic (technological) bases of social diffusion theory. Within an integrative framework, we discuss in detail more effective ways to train peer mediators of behavior change as one example of how social diffusion theory can benefit from this conceptual and strategic reformulation. We then further illustrate the use of peer mediators of change in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer prevention intervention studies with both interventions training peer mediators to diffuse information, norms, and risk reduction strategies. Although the results of these studies showed reductions in high-risk behaviors across population segments, more closely following the framework discussed in this article should further increase the behavior change potential of future interventions based on social diffusion theory. © 1995 American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology (AAAPP).