The Transtheoretical Model (TTM)
The Transtheoretical is a theoretical model of behavior change that integrates model of key concepts from other theories. This model is widely used by professionals to effectively promote health behavior change. This model describes how an individual modifies a certain behavior – such as smoking. TTM uses the stages of change as the central concept that integrates the most powerful principles and processes of change from leading theories of counseling and behavior change. The stages of change are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination. Studies related to change have found that individuals go through series of stages when modifying behavior. Processes of change work …show more content…
Individuals who are not well informed about the consequences of one’s behavior may fall into this stage. These individuals tend to avoid reading, talking, or thinking about their high-risk behaviors. They are often characterized in other theories as “resistant, unmotivated, or as not ready for health promotion programs”. (Velicer et al., 1998)
Contemplation (Getting Ready)
In the next six months, the individual is getting ready to move to the next stage. Contemplation is the stage in which people intend to change. These individuals are more aware of the pros and cons of changing. An individual can remain in this stage for long periods of time as a result of an individual’s hesitancy to change. This “phenomenon is often characterized as chronic contemplation or behavioral procrastination”. (Velicer et al., 1998) Individuals in this stage are not ready to act immediately.
Preparation (Ready)
In preparation stage is when an individual is ready to take action in the immediate future, usually in the next 30 days. In this stage, individuals typically have already taken some significant action in the past year such as “joining a health education class, consulting a counselor, talking to their physician, buying a self-help book, or relying on a self-change approach”. (Velicer et al., 1998) …show more content…
However, not all modifications in behavior count as Action in this model. An individual has to attain criterion that scientists and professionals consider as change in behavior. For example, reduction in the number of cigarettes were considered acceptable actions. “Now the consensus is clear—only total abstinence counts”. (Velicer et al., 1998)
Maintenance
In the maintenance stage an individual has made specific modifications in their lifestyles and are working to prevent relapse. However, they do not apply change processes as frequently as the individuals in the Action stage. These individuals are less tempted to relapse since there is an increase in confidence that they can continue their changes. Researchers have estimated that individuals in this stage last from six months to about five years. (Velicer et al., 1998)
Termination
The last stage is termination; individuals are no longer tempted to smoke. These individuals have 100% self-efficacy. Individuals in this stage whether depressed, anxious, bored, lonely, angry, or stressed, are sure that they will not return to unhealthy habits. This new behavior has become an automatic habit. (Pro-Change Behavior Systems, 2015)
Self-Efficacy
The Transtheoretical is a theoretical model of behavior change that integrates model of key concepts from other theories. This model is widely used by professionals to effectively promote health behavior change. This model describes how an individual modifies a certain behavior – such as smoking. TTM uses the stages of change as the central concept that integrates the most powerful principles and processes of change from leading theories of counseling and behavior change. The stages of change are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination. Studies related to change have found that individuals go through series of stages when modifying behavior. Processes of change work …show more content…
Individuals who are not well informed about the consequences of one’s behavior may fall into this stage. These individuals tend to avoid reading, talking, or thinking about their high-risk behaviors. They are often characterized in other theories as “resistant, unmotivated, or as not ready for health promotion programs”. (Velicer et al., 1998)
Contemplation (Getting Ready)
In the next six months, the individual is getting ready to move to the next stage. Contemplation is the stage in which people intend to change. These individuals are more aware of the pros and cons of changing. An individual can remain in this stage for long periods of time as a result of an individual’s hesitancy to change. This “phenomenon is often characterized as chronic contemplation or behavioral procrastination”. (Velicer et al., 1998) Individuals in this stage are not ready to act immediately.
Preparation (Ready)
In preparation stage is when an individual is ready to take action in the immediate future, usually in the next 30 days. In this stage, individuals typically have already taken some significant action in the past year such as “joining a health education class, consulting a counselor, talking to their physician, buying a self-help book, or relying on a self-change approach”. (Velicer et al., 1998) …show more content…
However, not all modifications in behavior count as Action in this model. An individual has to attain criterion that scientists and professionals consider as change in behavior. For example, reduction in the number of cigarettes were considered acceptable actions. “Now the consensus is clear—only total abstinence counts”. (Velicer et al., 1998)
Maintenance
In the maintenance stage an individual has made specific modifications in their lifestyles and are working to prevent relapse. However, they do not apply change processes as frequently as the individuals in the Action stage. These individuals are less tempted to relapse since there is an increase in confidence that they can continue their changes. Researchers have estimated that individuals in this stage last from six months to about five years. (Velicer et al., 1998)
Termination
The last stage is termination; individuals are no longer tempted to smoke. These individuals have 100% self-efficacy. Individuals in this stage whether depressed, anxious, bored, lonely, angry, or stressed, are sure that they will not return to unhealthy habits. This new behavior has become an automatic habit. (Pro-Change Behavior Systems, 2015)
Self-Efficacy