Theories and Models of Behavioral Change
Theories and Models of Behavioral Change tests whether you can match a client's readiness and context to a model, then choose a strategy that fits. Knowing model names is not enough; items ask what you would do next.
Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska & DiClemente)
Stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance. Match the task: raise awareness and build discrepancy in precontemplation; explore ambivalence and decisional balance in contemplation; build a concrete plan in preparation; support self-monitoring and relapse prevention in action and maintenance. Expect recycling, not a straight line.
Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura)
Reciprocal determinism links person, behavior, and environment. Self-efficacy is the strongest proximal predictor; it grows through mastery experiences, vicarious learning, verbal persuasion, and interpretation of physiological states.
Health Belief Model
Perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers, plus cues to action and self-efficacy. Useful for screening or vaccine uptake; weak for explaining habitual behavior.
Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen)
Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control shape intention, which shapes behavior. Useful when intention is the gap.
COM-B and ecological models
Capability, opportunity, and motivation produce behavior. Environment and policy matter, not just willpower.
Worked example
A client says, "I know I should exercise, but I hate gyms." That sounds contemplative. Explore pros and cons and confidence; do not hand over an action plan. A plan belongs to preparation.
Traps
- Assigning a stage from one sentence.
- Labeling the client instead of the behavior.
- Treating stages as strictly linear.
- Ignoring environment and access.
- Using the Health Belief Model to explain habits it fits poorly.