Psychologists developed the Stages of Change Theory (SCT) in 1982 to compare smokers in therapy and self-changers along a behavior change continuum. The rationale behind staging people, as such, was to tailor therapy to a persons needs at his/her particular point in the change process. As a result, the four original components of the Stages of Change Theory (Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Action, and Maintenance) were identified and resented as a linear process of change. Since then, a fifth stage (preparation for action) has been incorporated into the theory, as well as ten processes that help predict and motivate individual movement across stages. In addition, the stages are no longer considered to be linear; rather, they are components of a cyclical process that varies for each individual. The stages and processes, as described by Prochaska, DiClemente and Norcross (1992), are listed below. 1)Pre-Contemplation: Individual has the problem (whether he/she recognizes it or not) and has no intention of changing. With PC Processes: 1. Consciousness raising (information and knowledge) 2. Dramatic relief (role playing) 3. Environmental Reevaluation (how problem affects physical environment) 2)Contemplation: Individual recognizes the problem and is seriously thinking about changing..With C Processes: Self-reevaluation (assessing onesfeelings regarding behavior) 3)Preparation for Action: Individual recognizes the problem and intends to change the behavior within the next month. Some behavior change efforts may be reported, such as inconsistent condom usage. However, the defined behavior change criterion has not been reached (i.e., consistent condom usage). With PA Processes: Self-liberation (commitment or belief in ability to change) 4)Action: Individual has enacted consistent behavior change (i.e., consistent condom usage) for less than six months….With A Processes: 1. Reinforcement management (overt and covert rewards) 2. Helping relationships (social support, selfhelp groups) 3. Counter-conditioning (alternatives for behavior) 4. Stimulus control (avoid high-risk cues) Maintenance: Individual maintains new behavior for six months or more. A variety of behaviors, such as smoking cessation, weight control efforts and mammography screening, have been explored in U.S. populations using the Stages of Change Theory (Prochaska, 1994).
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 09:48:47 +0000
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