What term describes an individual's belief in the effectiveness of an advised action to reduce risk?

The term that describes an individual's belief in the effectiveness of an advised action to reduce risk is self-efficacy. This concept is rooted in social cognitive theory, which emphasizes the role of personal beliefs in the ability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. When individuals possess strong self-efficacy regarding a particular action, they are more likely to believe that undertaking that action will yield positive outcomes and reduce their health risks.

In contrast, perceived benefits refer to an individual’s belief in the positive outcomes that result from taking a specific action, but it doesn't necessarily encompass the confidence in one's ability to execute that action. Perceived barriers involve the obstacles or challenges that must be overcome to take action and can inhibit individuals from acting, while cues to action pertain to triggers that prompt the decision to engage in health-related behaviors. Understanding self-efficacy is critical in designing effective health promotion and education strategies, as it directly impacts an individual's motivation to engage in health-protective behaviors.