Compensatory health beliefs: scale development and psychometric properties

Compensatory Health Beliefs (CHBs) are beliefs that the negative effects of an unhealthy behavior can be compensated for, or “neutralised,” by engaging in a healthy behavior. “I can eat this piece of cake now because I will exercise this evening” is an example of such beliefs. The present research describes a psychometric scale to measure CHBs (Study 1) and provides data on its reliability and validity (Studies 2 and 3). The results show that scores on the scale are uniquely associated with health-related risk behaviors and symptom reports and can be differentiated from a number of related constructs, including irrational health beliefs. Holding CHBs may hinder individuals from acquiring healthier lifestyles, for example lose weight or exercise.