In the context of the social ecological model, personal factors include which of the following?

In the social ecological model, personal factors primarily refer to individual characteristics that influence behavior and health outcomes. These can include attributes such as beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, and skills. Cultural beliefs specifically shape an individual’s understanding of health and influence their behavior in diverse ways. They are integral to how a person perceives health practices, interacts with their environment, and engages with community resources. For instance, someone’s cultural background may dictate dietary practices or exercise habits, impacting overall health behaviors.

The other options represent different levels of influence within the social ecological model. The physical environment pertains to external conditions like geography and climate that impact health behaviors. Policies refer to regulations and laws that govern health behaviors and access to resources. Community resources are the services and support systems available within a community that can promote health. While all these elements play critical roles in shaping health behaviors, cultural beliefs are distinctly personal factors that individuals carry into their interactions with these broader contexts.