Not all health promotion programs are equally successful in achieving their aims and objectives. The use of theory significantly improves the chances of success.

Theory in a Nutshell 4e provides practitioners and students of health promotion with an overview of the most influential theories and models used to guide health promotion practice. For each theory discussed, an explanation of the main elements of the theory is provided, followed by a commentary on its relative strengths and weaknesses, and somesuggestions as to how it can be applied to the real world.

New to this edition:

greater attention to the influence and application of digital communication and technologies on health promotion practice
examples and reflections on lessons that have emerged since 2020 from the global COVID-19 pandemic.


Written by internationally recognised leaders in the field, all sections have been thoroughly revised and updated, while maintaining the concise, accessible style of the previous editions. This book is highly recommended for public health practitioners, health promotion and health education specialists, and social policy makers, as well as students of public health and health promotion.