Unit 1

Behavior Change

One of the most powerful forces in human behavior is self-fulfilling prophecy. If a person believes something strongly enough and that something is in the realm of possibility, they will do everything in their power to make sure it comes true.

-- M. Samuelson

Objectives

Increase understanding of the sequential nature of change in human behavior.
Different approaches for change should be addressed based on the stage of change one is in.

Focus Questions

Are you thinking about changing a behavior?
Have you recently changed or added a new behavior?
Do you engage in a behavior that you began within the last year?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are in one of five of the stages of change for that behavior.

Concepts

Precontemplation
Contemplation
Preparation
Action
Maintenance

Readings

Chapter 1: Wellness: Choices for Health & Fitness. Donatelle.
Sound Decision Making: Box on page 16, Wellness: Choices for Health & Fitness. Donatelle.
Study Guide: Link opens new browser window.

Lecture Introduction

Behavioral scientists have found that behavior change is a process rather than an event. The Stages of Change model of behavior change has designated five distinct phases or stages that people progress through when adopting a new health behavior or giving up an unhealthy behavior. Researchers have determined that various interventions and information applied at different stages are more effective in moving people from one stage to the next.

People and their behaviors are very complex and there may be other influences that are not explained in the Stages of Change model that effect peoples choices. People’s attitudes, values, control beliefs, social support, risk beliefs, and other factors can contribute to choices they make.

Transtheoretical model of behavior change

Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Changes (Stages of Change Model) has four dimensions. The first dimension is the 'Stage' of a current behavior.