Much of the literature illustrating this model is associated with studies helping people through problems of addiction and illness. Indeed the model arose from studies of addiction This model offers a view of changing behaviour through intervention and aligns itself well with current common aims in ‘treating’ addiction and helping people improve their health.
This podcast introduces the model:
http://www.socialworkpodcast.com/StagesOfChange.mp3 (see http://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/2009/10/prochaska-and-diclementes-stages-of.html for the text of the podcast).
One of the things that people have difficulty with is identifying where they are within the various stages of change. Coaching can be helpful here.
If you have experienced how difficult it is for someone to stop smoking or lose weight then you might get some idea of the problems people experience in seeking to both choose to change and subsequently maintain that change some behaviour within their life.
Prochaska and DiClemente’s model is one of intentional change that focuses on the decision making of the individual. It is often referred to as the transtheoretical model as it integrates aspects of several models of behaviour change. This model describes how people modify a problem behaviour or acquire a positive behaviour. The stages of change form the core of this model.
The model includes four main constructs: the sequential stages of change; processes which people typically use to facilitate change; decisional balance, which predicts whether change will occur; and self efficacy, the person’s confidence they can make changes.
The 5 stages of the model are:
- Precontemplative (unaware): where you are not aware of any problems and hence are not yet ready for change.
- Contemplative (thinking about it): where you see issues in need of change but cannot decide how best to react.
- Preparation (doing homework): where you start learning about different approaches to dealing with those issues, deciding what works for you and developing some skills.
- Action (making it happen): where you are looking for situations to develop your new behaviours, looking to improve performance.
- Maintenance (focus on success): where you seek feedback on the value of your changes. Negative feedback makes you revert to your old (more comfortable style). A Coach can be vital at this stage to help you maintain and develop your new style.
The stages and their supporting processes are illustrated below:
Download our learning resource on Prochaska's Stages of Change
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