Trans-theoretical Model

The success of a health care intervention is dependent upon an individual’s readiness to change, and only a change in behavior will positively impact modifiable risk factors. According DiClemente’s (1992) trans-theoretical model of behavior change, there are five stages of change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The other component of the trans-theoretical model is the processes of change. These processes are consciousness raising, self-evaluation, self-liberation, counter-conditioning, stimulus control, reinforcement management, helping relationships, dramatic relief, environmental re-evaluation, and social liberation (DiClemente et al., 1992). Interventions need to incorporate the appropriate processes of change based on an individual’s stage of change. For example, if an individual reaches the “action” stage of change, defined as the initiation of regular physical activity within the last 6 months, the processes of reinforcement management, helping relationships and stimulus control will be most effective.