Essay Example: Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

Theory Overview

The transtheoretical model is a change model which is based on an integrative and biopsychosocial approach to implementing intentional change in behavior. The transtheoretical model integrates various constructs from other change theories to create a comprehensive theory that can be applied in the different behavioral change in the diverse population and social setting (Prochaska, 2013).

Health Issue: Obesity

Behavioral change: Physical activity

Components of Transtheoretical model

The transtheoretical model of change views changes as a process that only unfold over time and there is the need for decisional balance and self-efficacy that should be emphasized to ensure sustainability of change. The pre-contemplation stage of the transtheoretical model of change refers to the situation in which an individual is not willing to take any action due to lack of information on the possible consequences. It is important to provide moral support and information to people in the pre-contemplation stage which can promote actions towards change. The contemplation stage is the stage in which an individual is aware of the importance and positive consequences of change. At this stage, information is already available on the positive health outcomes for engaging in physical activity to reduce weight gain. After contemplation, the patient gets to the ready or preparation stage in which an obese patient is willing and intends to take action. In this stage, an individual can join a gymnasium or acquire a physical trainer. After the preparation, the action stage follows successfully which involves modification in lifestyle and individual timetable to accommodate time for physical activity. It is imperative to provide the patient with the necessary support to ensure maintenance to achieve the desired change. The theory incorporates self-efficacy from the Bandura`s self-efficacy theory which argues that an individual should maintain the desired behaviors to avoid a relapse (Prochaska, 2013).

Strategy to address theory components

Decisional balance

The implementation of the model stages requires the individual to make decisions depending on the information available to them at the time. Maintaining the decisional balance can be done by availing the pros and cons of physical exercise which will increase the individual self-efficacy and determination to engage in physical exercises regularly and continuously (Prochaska, 2013).

Patient group or community support

To maintain training and to engage in physical exercise, it is important to introduce the patient to individuals in the community undergoing the same process which provides moral support for the patient to continue exercising which plays a significant role in the behavior change (Prochaska, 2013).

Reference

Prochaska, J. O. (2013). Transtheoretical model of behavior change. In Encyclopedia of behavioral medicine (pp. 1997-2000). Springer New York.