The Transtheorectical Model

Question 1

Compared to other models, What is the main strength of the Transtheorectial Model?

Answer 1

It acknowledges that most ‘at risk’ people are not yet READY to change.

Fava et al (1995) highlights this as a key flaw of other models

Question 2

List the main constructs of the Transtheoretical Model….

Answer 2

1. SEQUENTIAL stages of change
2. PROCESS which people typically use to facilitate change
3. DECISIONAL BALANCE which predicts whether change will occur
4. SELF EFFICACY the persons confidence that change will occur

Question 3

List the 6 main stages of the TTM

Answer 3

1. Pre-contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation and planning
4. Action
5. Maintenance
6. Relapse/success

Question 4

List 6 typical features of the pre-contemplation stage…

Answer 4

1. Individual has NO INTENTION of changing their behaviours
2. This may be due to LIFE STYLE CHOICE or LACK OF INFOMATION
3. This may be due to A LACK OF CONFIDENCE or LACK OF SELF ESTEEM
4. Typically UNMOTIVATED
5. Will RESIST discussing or thinking about making change
6. NOT READY for health promotion interventions

Question 5

List 4 features of the contemplation stage…

Answer 5

1. Expresses INTENTION of changing the behaviour - usually within 6 months
2. They are usually AWARE of the BENEFITS of making a change
3. The DECISIONAL BALANCE means that people may stay in this stage for a long time (Chronic Contemplation or behavioural procrastination)
4. NOT READY FOR INTEVERNTION

Question 6

List 4 features of the preparation and planning stage…

Answer 6

1. The person intends to take action in the IMMEDIATE future - usually 30 days
2. They typically have a PLAN OF ACTION i.e Joining weight watchers
3. They have taken some PREPARTORY action i.e Obtaining information
4. They are READY for traditional health promoting interventions

Question 7

List 2 features of the action stage…

Answer 7

1. The person has made specific changes to their lifestyle within the past 6 MONTHS
2. Involves ACTIVE Strategies

Question 8

List 3 features of the maintenance stage…

Answer 8

1. The person works hard to prevent relapse
2. CONFIDENCE increases as they maintain a new lifestyle
3. The duration of this stage is VARIABLE; For smoking it is usually defined as 5 years, For alcohol - life.

Question 9

What is meant by the termination stage?

Answer 9

• In principle the maintenance stage will lead to a phase in which the individual is no longer tempted.
• In termination there is NO RESERSAL to the previous behaviours
• CHANGE IS COMPLETE
• ADDICTION TRANSFER may occur

Question 10

Fill the Blanks

The TTM shows different _______ for people at _____ stages

Answer 10

The TTM shows different approaches for people at difference stages!

Question 11

What is the Decisional Balance?

Answer 11

Subjective weighting a person makes of the pros and cons of the recommended action

Question 12

What is self efficacy?

Answer 12

Self efficacy refers to an individuals confidence in their own abilities to avoid temptations or revert back to their old behaviours.

Temptations usually arise due to CRAVINGS, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS or PARTICULAR SOCIAL SITUATIONS

Question 13

Marks et al (2000) criticises the TTM model by stating that….

Answer 13

The TTM does not address social aspects of health behaviour

Question 14

What are criticisms of the TTM model….

Answer 14

• Clasifying invididuals into catogories suggests that