Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change, Capstone Project Example

Transtheoretical Model of Health behavior Change has been applied in this case to ensure the particular change takes place in an organized way. The reason why this model was chosen was because it has formed the basis for bringing up effective interventions that promote behavior change on health institutions. This model vividly describes the manner in which people tend to modify problem behaviors. Consequently, the model is intended for intentional change, that is, it focuses on decision making at person levels.

Through this model, it is easy to explain any haphazard behavior in a person’s success when undergoing treatment for many physical and psychological health problems. The model has always been used in assessing behavior modification techniques. The above qualities make this model very viable and competent enough to execute the desired changes in this institution.

The transtheoretical model of health behavior points out that the process of change involves six stages. They include precontemplation, preparation, contemplation, action, maintenance and relapse. Certain procedures of change have also been identified to be effective in application of these and can greatly benefit the entire process.

The basic components of this behavior change model include the processes involved in the change, decisional balance, temptation, and self-efficacy. The change process involves overt and covert activities that people apply to enable them progress to various stages (Melnyk & Overholt, 2005). Decisional balance on the other hand reflects on the benefits and drawbacks of the change. It is thus at this point that the entire change process is weighed and assessed against success criterion. Self-efficacy in this process entails confidence that people will be willing to stick to the change no matter the nature of challenges the encounter. Finally, temptation process reflects on the urges to engage certain behaviors a midst difficult situations.

One of the greatest stages of change is the pre-contemplation stage. This is where individuals are not ready for the change (Keller, 2004). In most cases, they avoid active participation since they are not sure of the change outcome. The best technique to counter this process is to validate their lack of readiness, then encourage them to evaluate their current behavior. After this, you can then go through the self-exploration process and explain the benefits of change.

The next stage is contemplation stage where you engage them in active thinking. In most cases, people do not consider addressing the change within the next 30 days. The best technique here is to encourage them using the advantages and disadvantages of the change. At the same time, you can promote and identify and promote positive outcomes.

After this, you can proceed to the reparation stage within which you lay down the necessary plans for the change. Here the individuals must be taught about the pros and cons of the change. Therapists too need to promote fresh positive expectations of the process and encourage small beginnings. Individuals preparing for this can take classes like the weight loss class or patient management training to equip them for the process.

After making all the necessary preparations, you can then go into action and apply the change. At this point, processes like environment modification, behavior and experience too are placed into consideration (Prochaska et al, 1994). Be sure to guard these people against any feeling of frustration or loss to prevent success of the plan.

When the action process has picked and is at its peak, you can now work on maintaining the progress. Here you can appreciate good performance and introduce rewards to the best performers. Setting up follow up group at this stage may also yield great outcomes. After this, you can start planning for the relapse stage.

References

Keller, S. (20042004). Research on the transtheoretical model: where are we now, where are we going?. Lengerich: Pabst.

Melnyk, B. M., & Overholt, E. (2005). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: a guide to best practice. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Prochaska, J. O., Norcross, J. C., & DiClemente, C. C. (1994). Changing for good: the revolutionary program that explains the six stages of change and teaches you how to free yourself from bad habits. New York: W. Morrow.

Shumaker, S. A., Ockene, J. K., & Riekert, K. A. (2009). The handbook of health behavior change (3rd ed.). New York: Springer Pub. Co.