Behavioural Change
The only constant in life is change. The way we deal with it is up to each of us.
To become our true, real and honest self may require some dramatic change internally and externally.
July 2008
Behaviour Change for Positive Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Behaviour Change is fundamental to the emotional and physical start of positive wellbeing and lifestyle choices. By using this model it may help you to understand why we behave in certain ways when trying to change certain aspects of our lives.
The theory and model of behaviour change was formally identified by the work of Prochaska and DiClemente (1986) by identifying the dynamics and structure of staged behaviour change.
The Behaviour Change Model is based on five distinct stages by which people can move either in a cyclical or spiral pattern.
To understand how a person can adopt positive behaviour change and positively affect a better lifestyle, wellbeing and outlook they must look at the five stages individually.
Stage One: ‘Precontemplation’ - this means that at this stage behaviour (i.e.: adopting a healthier lifestyle, stopping smoking, eating a healthier diet) has not been considered. The person may not realise that a change is possible.
Stage Two: ‘Contemplation’ – something happens that will prompt the person to start thinking about change (it could be a comment made by someone, a glance in the mirror and not liking the reflection) - thus resulting in the desire to change.
Stage Three: ‘Preparation’ - the person prepares to undertake the desired change process either by gathering information, deciding when the change should be made and talking or seeking out written or verbal information.
Stage Four: ‘Action’ – the person makes the change by acting on the information, experience, skills and motivation from making the decision to change.
Step Five – ‘Maintenance’ - the practice of the new behaviour is to be consistently maintained.
Although the behaviour change process is staged there should be a caveat that there may be periodic relapse (smoking cessation for instance can have a relapse when the person is under stress). People can then move back and forth between the earlier stages before moving on once again through the stages that lead to eventual maintenance.
Submitted by Cath Ashton, Mariposa Health Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coaching
