Stages of Change Theory

This editorial does not seek to revisit the plethora of empirical evidence and conceptual analysis that has been ranged against the model. It simply argues that the problems with the model are so serious that it has held back advances in the field of health promotion and, despite its intuitive appeal to many practitioners, it should be discarded. It is now time for a change.

We believe that self-discovery and self-directed change are important. We know the research evidence: small choices that we make, every day, have a great influence on how healthy we are in mind, body, and spirit.

The Transtheoretical Model is an integrative model of behavior change which describes how people modify a problem behavior or acquire a positive behavior.

In this article, we review the Transtheoretical Model of Change, also known as the Stages of Change model, and discuss its application to the family practice setting.

A collection of materials for leading counseling sessions that address motivation and readiness for change.

This chapter describes a variety of tools for measuring the building blocks of motivation.

This chapter addresses ways in which motivational strategies can be used effectively at different points in the formal treatment process.

At the end of the preparation stage, clients make a plan for change to guide them into the action stage. This chapter focuses on negotiating this specific change plan with clients.

This chapter describes strategies to increase clients' commitment to change by enhancing their decisionmaking capabilities.

Many scenarios present an opportunity for the clinician to help someone who is abusing or dependent on a substance to start on a pathway toward change.