Differentiate between the Six Stages of Behavior Change

Can you think of any behaviors that you are currently doing that a health professional would say that you should probably change that behavior in some way?

We can all think of at least one "not-so-healthy" behavior off of the top of our head. So the question you need to think about next is: Do you want to change that behavior? Some will say that they don't... others... hopefully, will lean toward the positive side and say that at least they would like to change it.

Locus of Control

When thinking about that behavior, or any behavior that can affect your health for that matter, what or who do you believe is in control of that behavior? The answer you provide to this question can be related to a very sound theory called Locus of Control ("Glossary"). On this website... https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-locus-of-control-2795434... the author talks about the difference between an external and internal locus of control. Knowing this difference may help guide you in making decisions that are healthier for you. For instance, if you are a non-smoker and live with those who choose to smoke in your house/apartment... Do you just live with their choices? Or can you do something about it?

Stages of Change

Ok, so let us say that there is at least one behavior that you would like to change. There are actually six stages of behavior change that most people will go through in order to make a change in their lifestyle and try to stay with their new choices. These stages are part of the "Transtheoretical Model" (Link to Original Reference) of behavior change and these include:

1) Precontemplation

2) Contemplation

3) Preparation

4) Action

5) Maintenance

6) Adoption/Termination

To learn about each stage visit this webpage: Click Here for the stages of change website You may find that the descriptions on this page will help you through the quiz associated with this section. This website, however, does not mention Termination/Adoption as a stage. This stage is considered an "end point" to making a change that is healthier.

When individuals try to make a change in their lifestyles, they usually go through these stages from 1 to 6. At any time, they can fall back to a previous stage, but then progress forward until, hopefully, they adopt that new healthier choice into their lifestyle.

You might view this process as something like this image below. Once a person adopts the new choice into his/her lifestyle, they no longer are using this model.