The Steps of a Behavior Change Christian Esola The Transtheoretical Model Aspiring Health Professionals

Most Comm n Misconception “Behavior change is easy, I can change whenever I want.”

5 Stages of Change Pre- Contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance

Pre-contemplation Characteristics  Denial  Ignorance of Problem  Not ready to make a change Strategies  Encourage self- analysis  Explain risks if current behavior continues

Contemplation – Getting Ready  Intend to change within 6 months  Pros are equal with Cons  How can we make the Pros outweigh the Cons?

Preparation – Ready!  Prepare to make a change within 30 days  Small, obtainable goals  Continued research  Strategies for change created

Action  A distinct change in behavior occurs  Change is consistent  Visual  Receives most recognition

Maintenance The behavior changes will dictate amount of time needed Small changes = less time Big changes = more time Six months after behavior change Self efficacy is at its highest

Termination (Step 6) Behavior change permanently adopted Zero temptation to relapse

Can you Identify the Stage? Steve is concerned about his weight. He plans on joining a gym within the next month and began researching healthier meal options. Which stage of change is he in? Preparation

Carol began a new diet 4 months ago. Since the diet began, she is down to her target weight and continues her healthy lifestyle. What stage is Carol in? Maintenance

Andy is consistently late to class. His professors have tried talking to him, but he continues to show up late every week. What stage of change is Andy in? Pre- contemplation

Factors that Influence Behavior Change Predisposing Factors Enabling Factors Reinforcing Factors 3 Factors

Predisposing Factors  Knowledge, beliefs, attitudes  Based on:  Life experiences  Gender  Age  Race

Enabling Factors  Skills and abilities  Available resources  May be positive or negative

Reinforcing Factors  Presence or absence of support  Encouragement or discouragement from those around you

Useful links  Behavior Change - Getting Started Behavior Change - Getting Started  Why It's Hard to Change Why It's Hard to Change  Youtube - The Transtheoretical Model Youtube - The Transtheoretical Model

References "TTM Detailed Overview." TTM Detailed Overview. Cancer Prevention Research Center, n.d. Web. 27 Sept "Transtheoretical Model (or Stages of Change) - Health Behavior Change." Prochange.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept "Behavior Change and Maintenance." NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept

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