Transtheoretical Model/Stages of Change Model

Question

For the transtheoretical model/stages of change model  provide a response to the following:

In your informed opinion, tell me what you feel are the pros, cons, and general thought about it as a useful theory/model to develop an intervention on in order to address a health concern within society ?

Answer 1

Penelope,

Basically, the transtheoretical model (TTM) is a model of behavior change that believes that an individual must make a conscious choice to make a change. For instance, if I want my friend to stop smoking, my friend has to be personally motivated and want to change her behavior for it to be effective. There are 6 stages in the TTM: 1. precontemplation, 2. contemplation, 3. preparation, 4. action, 5. maintenance, 6. termination.

Pros: This theory gives responsibility to individuals and has clear stages that can be addressed with specific interventions within a society. For instance, if washing hands before eating lunch is an issue at a high school, an intervention can focus on the precontemplation phase first by increasing awareness of the problems of not washing before touching food. This theory allows for specific health concern interventions that can be more effective than general messages.

Cons: Because this theory assumes personal responsibility, it also assumes that people are logical in their decision making abilities. This theory also ignores some important social contexts such as SES.

Hope this helps!

Amy