This study was undertaken to examine the constellation of attitudes and beliefs felt to be related to health behavior. Two types of health messages were delivered to a group of teenage camp counselors on the disease diabetes. Their attitudes toward the disease in terms of their perception of vulnerability to it, their perception of its severity, and their perception of the need for and benefits of tests for early detection of the disease were assessed. An optional opportunity to participate in a diagnostic test was then offered. Attitudes were reassessed three days later at which time the subjects could request additional educational materials about diabetes. The health educational materials were successful in immediately modifying general attitudes about diabetes, but not successful in changing any of the underlying components. Only one component of attitude, the perception of vulnerability to diabetes, affected the decision to participate in the diabetes diagnostic test. The same attitude was also instrumental in affecting receptivity to new health educational materials. It is concluded that only through educational efforts commencing at an early age and directed at the underlying components of health attitudes can we hope to bring about desirable health behavior. (MC)