Which model describes progression through stages of behavior change that is cyclical, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance?

Which model describes progression through stages of behavior change that is cyclical, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance?

• A. Transtheoretical Model
• B. Social Cognitive Theory
• C. Health Belief Model
• D. Theory of Planned Behavior

Answer: (A)

Progression through stages of behavior change that is cyclical, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, is described by the Transtheoretical Model. This approach views change as a process people move through at different speeds, with the possibility of looping back to earlier stages after challenges or relapses. Each stage represents a different level of readiness, guiding how to support someone: raise awareness in precontemplation, help weigh pros and cons in contemplation, assist with planning in preparation, support taking concrete steps in action, and focus on sustaining the change in maintenance. Other theories focus on factors that influence behavior—like self-efficacy and observational learning (Social Cognitive Theory), beliefs about risks and benefits (Health Belief Model), or intentions shaped by attitudes and perceived control (Theory of Planned Behavior)—but they don’t describe this stage-based, cyclical change process.

Progression through stages of behavior change that is cyclical, including precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, is described by the Transtheoretical Model. This approach views change as a process people move through at different speeds, with the possibility of looping back to earlier stages after challenges or relapses. Each stage represents a different level of readiness, guiding how to support someone: raise awareness in precontemplation, help weigh pros and cons in contemplation, assist with planning in preparation, support taking concrete steps in action, and focus on sustaining the change in maintenance. Other theories focus on factors that influence behavior—like self-efficacy and observational learning (Social Cognitive Theory), beliefs about risks and benefits (Health Belief Model), or intentions shaped by attitudes and perceived control (Theory of Planned Behavior)—but they don’t describe this stage-based, cyclical change process.