What is the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) as it applies to health behavior change?

Question

Accepted Answer

A model describing the process of intentional behavior change through five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM), also known as the Stages of Change model, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, describes the process of intentional behavior change through five stages. Precontemplation is when the individual has no intention to change in the foreseeable future. Contemplation is when they are aware of the problem and considering change. Preparation involves planning to take action soon and making small preliminary steps. Action is when the individual actively modifies their behavior. Maintenance involves sustaining the new behavior over time and preventing relapse. The model is widely applied to substance use treatment and other health behavior changes.

A model describing how diseases progress describes the natural history of disease, not a behavior change model. A drug classification system by danger level might describe drug scheduling, which is a regulatory framework. A hospital emergency triage model describes prioritizing patients by severity, which is a clinical procedure unrelated to behavior change theory.

The Transtheoretical Model is one of the most important health behavior theories tested on the DSST Health and Human Development exam. Students should know all five stages, understand that relapse is a normal part of the change process (not failure), and recognize how matching interventions to a person's current stage increases effectiveness. This model is particularly relevant to substance use treatment, smoking cessation, weight management, and exercise adoption.

DSST Health and Human Development: Question of the Day

Get a free DSST Health and Human Development question every day

Ready for the full DSST Health and Human Development? Earn 3 college credits.