Social Factors and the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour

Social Factors and the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change To start - what do you think this photo tells us about maintaining mental health Learning Intention: Outline, explain and apply the transtheoretical model of behaviour change

Social Support The greater the support of others, the better we are able to maintain our mental health - this is related to levels of closeness, trust, feelings of belonging and previous intimate relationships. Example include: Availability of help from others when needed Appraisal support (assist understanding stressor and effects) Tangible assistance (material support to offset stressor effects – food or money) Informational support (specific advice, resources) Emotional support (reassuring a person under stress)

Social Support What type of social support is shown in each of these pictures

Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change Read through Frank’s story. Can you identify the stages of change that Frank goes through as he tries to quit smoking?

Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change The transtheoretical model of behaviour change is a stage-based model that describes and explains how people intentionally change their behaviour to achieve a health-related goal. The model consists of 5 stages

Stage 1 - Precontemplation People in this stage may wish to change, but for the immediate future have no plans to do so. Weighing the pros and cons of a behavior is an important component in the Transtheoretical Model. In the beginning, the apparent cons tend to outweigh the perceived pros. As a person moves through the six stages, however, that balance shifts.

Stage 2 Contemplation Those in the Contemplation stage are thinking about taking action, but aren’t quite ready or don’t know how to get started. Contemplators often think they might make the behaviour change within the next six months, and they’re open to information and feedback. In this stage, the pros and cons of potential change feel about equal. Since contemplators are open to new information (unlike precontemplators, who tend to reject it), they can build their enthusiasm for change by connecting to these core values or motivations, gathering information, exploring new perspectives, asking others about their experiences and learning from the examples of those who have already made the change they are considering.

Stage 3 - Preparation Stage People in the Preparation stage are getting ready to take action. They are more decisive, confident and committed; they’re developing a plan and may have already taken small steps. At this point, the pros of making the change clearly outweigh the cons — but there’s some work to be done before meaningful action can take place. The Preparation stage is all about building confidence — and troubleshooting against the obstacles or weaknesses that stand the greatest chance of undermining it.

Stage 4 - Action Stage Beyond just thinking about it or preparing to act, a person in this phase has actually begun doing something (or a lot of things) differently, and may be experimenting with expanding his or her efforts. Even if the changes are small so far, he or she is building momentum, knowledge and self-confidence, all of which encourage continued action. Relapse is common in this stage and occurs when a person fully returns to their pre-change behaviours.

Stage 5 - Maintenance Stage Individuals in the Maintenance stage have managed to stay in Action mode for at least six months. That means they’ve successfully avoided or overcome the obstacles that could have caused them to slip back into old behaviours. Through practice, they’ve attained a greater level of confidence and capacity. Their new behaviours have started to become a more integrated part of their lifestyle and identity, and their risk of relapse is much lower than when they began. Again, however, relapse is a danger in this stage. What things do you think might trigger relapse?

Strengths and Limitations of the Model Roll up! 1. Is there empirical evidence to support the model? 2. Is it a useful model? 3. Is it reliable and valid? 4. Can the model be used on different groups of people? 5. Does the model work? 6. Is this model the best way to explain the issue at hand?

Strengths and Limitations of the Strengths Model Limitations

Reflection and Homework Have a look at the cartoon on page 587. In which stage of readiness for change is the man? Why? What are 2 comments the man might make when he moves into the next stage of change? Homework - Complete 14. 7 questions 3, 4 and 6