Theoretical Framework

This study is based on the theories “The Social-Ecological Model” by Urie

Bronfenbrenner, “The Health Belief Model (HBM)” by Hochbaum et al. (1950s), and “Queer

Theory” by Eve Sedgwick (1990s).

In “The Social-Ecological Model”, the main idea of the theory is that in order to

prevent getting abused or being the abuser, one must understand the factors that causes it. It

uses a four-level model that illustrates the relationship between the factors; Individual,

Relationship; Community; and Societal and shows how it endangers a person or how it can

protect them from experiencing the abuse. It also shows that in order to prevent such abuse,

it’s a necessity to act across the factors at the same time. The first level analyzes biological

and historical characteristics that raise the risk of being a victim or an offender of violence.

The ages, education, income, substance use, and abuse history are some of these

characteristics. The chance of suffering abuse as the victim or offender may be increased by

close relationships, which are examined at the second level. The people in a person's closest

social circle; their friends, lovers, and family influence their actions and shape their

experiences. The third level investigates the environments wherein social relationships take

place, such as workplaces, schools, and communities, and seeks to determine the features of

these environments that are connected with a person becoming a victim or an attacker of

violence. The fourth level studies the main sociocultural elements which determine how

violence is encouraged or discouraged. Among such are social and cultural norms that

promote violence as an appropriate way of resolving issues. The health, economic,

educational, and social policies that support the maintenance of economic or differences

between societal groups is more significant societal issues.

 In “The Health Belief Model”, this theory suggests that people will most likely take

precautionary action to their health if; they believe the threat is serious, they are vulnerable to

said threat, and if there are lesser sacrifices made when taken action. It says that the personal

belief about the danger or an illness along with the personal belief about how they are

recommended to behave will likely tell if the person will adopt the wanted behavior. The

HBM has 6 levels which are; Perceived susceptibility which refers to the perception of a

person about getting an illness or disease, Perceived severity which refers to feeling the

seriousness of an illness or disease or illness that has been left untreated, Perceived benefits

refer to the perception of a person that has done various effective actions in order to help

lessen the threat of an illness or disease, Perceived barriers refer to the person facing their

problems and challenges when it comes to taking action, Cue to action referred as a necessary

trigger to perform proper decision making in accepting a recommended health action, and

lastly Self-efficacy refers to the level of confidence a person has to successfully perform the

recommended behavior in the situation.

In “The Queer Theory”, Sedgwick argues that the most powerful impacts of modern

definitions of homo/heterosexuality arise from the implicit or denied gaps between coexisting

minority and universal understandings of same-sex relationships. By highlighting the

inconsistencies within available models of homosexuality, Sedgwick aims to undermine the

naturalization of current assumptions about what constitutes homosexuality in contemporary

society. She asserts that sexuality encompasses dimensions beyond object choice gender,

urging a closer examination of the diverse ways in which individuals may be similar or

different from each other. Rather than accepting the monolithic distinction between homo and

heterosexuality, Sedgwick directs attention to the everyday differences that shape sexual

experiences but are often overlooked in epistemological terms. Sedgwick emphasizes that

some people experience their sexual preferences as innate and enduring, while others
perceive them as emerging later in life or as unpredictable and discretionary. Moreover, she

points out that for some individuals, the prospect of unsatisfying sexual encounters is highly

undesirable and shapes their lives, whereas for others, it is not a significant concern.

Sedgwick's work exposes the resulting consequences, including limited access to education

and the perpetuation of social and economic inequalities.