Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change is also known as the Stages of Change Model. 

Five stages of change have been conceptualized for a variety of problem behaviors. The five stages of change are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.

Precontemplation is the stage at which there is no intention to change behavior in the foreseeable future. Many individuals in this stage are unaware or underaware of their problems.

Contemplation is the stage in which people are aware that a problem exists and are seriously thinking about overcoming it but have not yet made a commitment to take action.

Preparation is a stage that combines intention and behavioral criteria. Individuals in this stage are intending to take action in the next month and have unsuccessfully taken action in the past year.

Action is the stage in which individuals modify their behavior, experiences, or environment in order to overcome their problems. Action involves the most overt behavioral changes and requires considerable commitment of time and energy.

Maintenance is the stage in which people work to prevent relapse and consolidate the gains attained during action. For addictive behaviors this stage extends from six months to an indeterminate period past the initial action. (URI, n.d.)

Some models include a Termination stage in which individuals are not tempted to return to their previous behaviors but have complete confidence in their ability to maintain the behavior change interminably.

As you can see if you follow each stage in order you will progress toward the desired behavior or outcome.  However, if you happen to veer off the path to healthiness, happiness, and wholeness this will cause a Relapse and you will return to an earlier stage.  Essentially you will have to start over or repeat a stage successfully before moving on.  Relapse can occur at any time during the process of change.

The Stages of Change model and visual were created by Dr. James Prochaska and his colleague, Carlo DiClemente.  They discovered that behavior change is a process rather than an event.  The image was created to show the flow of one stage into another (progress) or back to the previous stage (relapse).  The basis of the theory and the model are that because change is a process it takes time, a strong will, determination, and commitment.  Change will not occur overnight.  There will be temptations and rewards.  This image is a reminder that you must complete one stage before moving on to the next stage and that as human beings we must take responsibility for our actions then do what is right by making a change for the better.

Stages of Change image. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2011, from batonrougecounseling.net.

Transtheoretical Model: Summary Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved September 8, 2011, from http://www.uri.edu/research/cprc/TTM/StagesOfChange.htm.