As a key part of the behavioral immune system, disgust is thought to have evolved to motivate the avoidance of pathogens. While evidence for such a role is accruing, naturalistic tests of this thesis are few and exactly how "risk" is implicated remains unclear. Two pre-registered studies tested whether objective "or" perceived…

Discovers a high correlation between positive emotional states, supportive self talk, and specific healthy behaviors in college students. The correlated health behaviors were vigorous exercise, mild exercise, seat belts, and avoidance of alcohol and junk food. Considers the impact of negative self talk on the avoidance of negative behavior. (MJP)

This article examines health promotion and disease prevention from the perspective of social cognitive theory. This theory posits a multifaceted causal structure in which self-efficacy beliefs operate together with goals, outcome expectations, and perceived environmental impediments and facilitators in the regulation of human motivation, behavior,…