Assignment: Transtheoretical Model of Change
The transtheoretical model of change has had a significant impact on health promotion. The model is used for the explanation of behavior and the design of health behavior interventions. Originally developed as a strategy to explain and predict harmful behavior, such as tobacco use, the application of the model has become so widespread that it is one of the most commonly used models in public health practice.
According to Prochaska and DiClemente (as cited in Edberg, 2007), behavior change occurs in steps or stages as an individual moves from contemplating a behavior change, through getting ready for behavior change, to making the change and maintaining the new behavior. Interventions can be designed to address one or more of the various processes of change associated with the stages of behavior change.
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Stages of Change
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Description
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Precontemplation
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No intention to change behavior in the next six months
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Contemplation
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Intends or is thinking about changing behavior in the next six months
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Preparation
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Intends to change behavior in the next thirty days and has taken some steps toward behavior change
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Action
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Has intentionally changed the behavior for less than six months
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Maintenance
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Has intentionally changed the behavior for more than six months
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Using the University online library resources, research the transtheoretical model of change. Apply the acquired information to complete your assignment.
• Identify a health behavior.
• Explain how each of the "stages of behavior change" from the transtheoretical model of change can be applied to the health behavior.
• Describe the types of strategies that could be used to move an individual from contemplation to action.
• Explain how these strategies would be different from those used to move an individual from precontemplation to contemplation.
Write your initial response in approximately 200 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.
Post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Review and comment on at least two of your fellow students citing any points you had not previously considered or on which you disagree. Consider the similarities or differences in the way that the model is applied to different behaviors.
Edberg, M. (2007). Essentials of health behavior: Social and behavioral theory in public health. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett.