Transtheoretical model theory

Precontemplation

An individual who is unmotivated and unprepared to change, often due to previous failures in health changes.

Contemplation

An individual starts to think about making positive health changes, usually occurring about 6 months before the change.

Preparation

An individual who intends to change their behavior and decides on actionable steps.

Action

The stage where changes are actively taking place and initial results are being observed.

Maintenance of change

A stage focused on preventing relapse, where changes become more established.

Temptation

The stage where the individual has fully integrated changes into their lifestyle and does not feel the need for further changes.

Self-efficacy

The belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations; crucial for behavior change.

Decisional balance

The process of weighing the benefits against barriers that prevent health behavior change.

Strengths of the TTM

It allows for understanding health behavior changes over time and can identify at-risk populations.

Weaknesses of the TTM

It lacks emphasis on potential problems in stages like relapse, and it attempts to describe too many factors influencing health behavior change.