The Transtheoretical Model and Study Skills

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony M. Grant ◽  
John Franklin

AbstractThere is empirical support for the transtheoretical model (TTM) of change within the health and psychopathology-related areas, but relatively little research into its applicability in relation to academic settings. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the TTM is applicable to the adoption of improved study skills. Participants were 148 first-year university students. A 2-factor (pros and cons) study-related decisional balance measure was developed and participants completed questionaries assessing their readiness to change, self-efficacy, study strategies and decisional balance. Decisional balance pros and cons were as predicted by the TTM. Cons were higher than pros in precontemplation and pros were higher than cons in maintenance. Self-efficacy increased from contemplation through to maintenance, and students in action and maintenance showed an increase in the use of deep achieving study strategies and a decrease in the use of surface strategies. The data provides initial support for the applicability of the TTM to academic performance enhancement. The TTM may be a useful psycho-educational tool that can facilitate the adoption of improved study strategies through coaching.

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corjena Cheung ◽  
Jean Wyman ◽  
Cynthia Gross ◽  
Jennifer Peters ◽  
Mary Findorff ◽  
...  

The transtheoretical model (TTM) was developed as a guide for understanding behavior change. Little attention has been given, however, to the appropriateness of the TTM for explaining the adoption of exercise behavior in older adults. The purposes of this study were to determine the reliability of the TTM instruments and validate TTM predictions in 86 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 75.1 ± 7.0 years, 87% women) who were participants in a 16-week walking program. TTM construct scales—self-efficacy, decisional balance (pros and cons), and processes of change (behavioral and cognitive)—were generally reliable (all α > .78). Behavioral processes of change increased from baseline to follow-up, but pros, cons, and cognitive processes did not change among participants who became regular exercisers. Stage of change did not predict exercise adoption, but baseline self-efficacy predicted walking behavior. These results lend partial support to the TTM in predicting exercise behavior.


1995 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trish Gorely ◽  
Sandy Gordon

This study examined the structure of the transtheoretical model (TM) in exercise behavior change among adults age 50–65 years (n = 583). The purpose was to examine the relationship between stage of change and the constructs of processes of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance. The results showed that 5 of the 10 processes of change, self-efficacy, and both pros and cons make significant and unique contributions to discrimination between the stages. Specifically, the use of the processes of change was shown to fluctuate across the stages, self-efficacy was shown to increase from precontemplation to maintenance, and the balance between pros and cons was shown to change from precontemplation to maintenance. The similarity of these results to previous literature suggests that the process of behavior change hypothesized within the TM holds across different age groups and cultures. Several implications for intervention design and suggestions for further research are discussed.


2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1007-1016
Author(s):  
Kambiz Karimzadeh Shirazi ◽  
Shamsaddin Niknami ◽  
Louise Wallace ◽  
Alireza Hidarnia ◽  
Elaheh Rahimi ◽  
...  

In this randomized control study the changes in Transtheoretical Model (TTM; Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983) constructs (Self-Efficacy, Decisional Balance) after a tailored stage-based education program to increase calcium consumption in 40–65-year-old women were investigated. Postintervention, significantly more of the experimental group in comparison to the control group improved their calcium consumption stage of change. In the experimental group self-efficacy and pros of calcium consumption increased and cons decreased for those who had positive progression in stages of change but these constructs remained unchanged in individuals in the control group. The tailored education based on the TTM is an effective method of assisting women to progress through the calcium-rich foods consumption stages of change and can cause more actualized results for self-efficacy, pros and cons in the manner predicted by TTM.


1999 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline C. Horwath

AbstractThis review provides a rigorous investigation of the question of whether the transtheoretical model (TTM) (or stages of change model) is applicable to eating behaviour change. The TTM is currently the most popular of a number of stage theories being used to examine health behaviour change. Stage theories specify an ordered set of ‘stages of readiness to change’ into which people can be classified and identify the factors that can facilitate movement from one stage to the next. If eating behaviour change follows a stage process, then nutritionists could identify the predominant stage or stages in a population and focus resources on those issues most likely to move people to the next stage (e.g. from no intention of changing, to thinking about changing). In addressing this question, the review draws on the defining characteristics of stage theories as clarified by Weinstein et al. (1998), provides an in-depth coverage of methodological considerations, and a detailed summary table of dietary studies applying the TTM. Specific recommendations are made for improving the accuracy of dietary stage classifications. Among the key conclusions are: (1) dietary studies using the TTM have been hampered by a focus on nutritional outcomes such as dietary fat reduction, rather than clearly understood food behaviours (e.g. five servings of fruit and vegetables per day); (2) accurate stage classification systems are possible for food-based goals, but major misclassification problems occur with nutrient-based goals; (3) observation of an association between stage and dietary intake is not sufficient to demonstrate the validity of the model for dietary behaviour; (4) there is a need for valid questionnaires to measure all aspects of the TTM, and more research on the whole model, particularly the ‘processes of change’, rather than on single constructs such as ‘stage’ (5) cross-sectional studies generally support the predicted patterns of between-stage differences in decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change; (6) studies which test the key hypothesis that different factors are important in distinguishing different stages are rare, as are prospective studies and stage-matched interventions. Only such studies can conclusively determine whether the TTM is applicable to eating behaviour. Since the ultimate test of the TTM will be the effectiveness of stage-matched dietary interventions, the review ends by exploring the requirements for such studies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-223
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Lipschitz ◽  
Andrea L. Paiva ◽  
Colleen A. Redding ◽  
Deborah Levesque ◽  
Joseph S. Rossi ◽  
...  

Purpose: Anxiety is the most common and costly mental illness in the United States. Reducing avoidance is a core element of evidence-based treatments. Past research shows readiness to address avoidance affects outcomes. Investigating avoidance from a transtheoretical model (TTM) perspective could facilitate tailored approaches for individuals with low readiness. This study developed and examined psychometric properties of TTM measures for addressing anxiety-based avoidance. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Community centers, online survey. Participants: Five hundred ninety-four individuals aged 18 to 70 with clinically significant anxiety. Measures: Overall Anxiety Severity Questionnaire, stages of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy. Analysis: The sample was randomly split into halves for principal component analyses (PCAs) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) to test measurement models. Further analyses examined relationships between constructs. Results: For decisional balance, PCA indicated two 5-item factors (pros and cons). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 2-factor correlated model, Satorra-Bentler scaled chi-square [Formula: see text], comparative fit index (CFI = 0.94), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = 0.07), pros: α = 0.87, ρ = 0.87, cons: α = 0.75, and ρ = 0.75. For self-efficacy, PCA indicated one 6-item factor supported by CFA, [Formula: see text], P < .01, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.09, α = 0.90, ρ = 0.87. As hypothesized, significant cross-stage differences were observed for pros and self-efficacy, and significant relationships between anxiety severity and pros, cons, and self-efficacy were found. Conclusion: Findings show strong psychometric properties and support the application of a readiness-based model to anxiety. In contrast to findings of other behaviors, cons remain high in action and maintenance. These measures provide a solid empirical foundation to develop TTM-tailored interventions to enhance engagement in treatment.


2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (9) ◽  
pp. 1874-1883 ◽  
Author(s):  
MASAMI T. TAKEUCHI ◽  
MIRIAM EDLEFSEN ◽  
SANDRA M. McCURDY ◽  
VIRGINIA N. HILLERS

An intervention to promote use of food thermometers when cooking small cuts of meat was conducted using the Transtheoretical Model. Objectives were to (i) increase use of food thermometers by home food preparers, (ii) improve consumers' attitudes regarding use of a food thermometer, and (iii) examine relationships between stages of change and decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change. A randomly selected group of residents of Washington and Idaho (n = 2,500) were invited to participate in the research; 295 persons completed all phases of the multistep intervention. Following the intervention program, there was a significant increase in food thermometer use when cooking small cuts of meat (P &lt; 0.01); those persons classified in action and maintenance stages increased from 9 to 34%. Ownership of thermometers also significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05). The three constructs related to the Transtheoretical Model that were used in the study (decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change) were very useful for examining differences among people at different stages of change because the responses for each set of questions differed positively and significantly (P &lt; 0.01) as stages of change classifications advanced from precontemplation (no interest in thermometer use) to action and maintenance (individuals who use food thermometers). Additional educational campaigns designed to increase use of food thermometers are needed. Because most consumers are currently in the precontemplation stage, food thermometer campaigns will be most effective when they are focused on raising awareness of the food safety risks and the benefits of using food thermometers when cooking small cuts of meat.


2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Levesque ◽  
Mary-Margaret Driskell ◽  
Janice M. Prochaska ◽  
James O. Prochaska

Most interventions for men who batter are standardized and “one-size-fits-all,” neglecting individual differences in readiness to change. A multimedia expert system intervention based on the transtheoretical model (the “stage model”) was developed as an adjunct to traditional court-mandated programs. The expert system assesses stage of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change and provides immediate individualized stage-matched feedback designed to increase readiness to end the violence. Fifty-eight male batterer intervention program clients were invited by agency staff to complete an expert system session and an evaluation of the program; 33 men were recruited at program intake and the remainder from ongoing groups. Responses to the intervention were very positive. For example, 87% of participants reported that they found the program to be easy to use, and 98% said it could probably or definitely help them change their attitudes or behaviors. Findings provide encouraging evidence of the acceptability of this stage-matched approach to intervention for domestic violence offenders.


2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 329-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edwin D. Boudreaux ◽  
Karen B. Wood ◽  
Dan Mehan ◽  
Isabel Scarinci ◽  
Cindy L. Carmack Taylor ◽  
...  

Purpose. The current study examines the relations between decisional balance and self-efficacy variables on stage of change between the behaviors of avoiding dietary fat and increasing exercise. Design. A cross-sectional design was used. Setting. The current study took place in public primary care clinics from four sites across Louisiana. Clinics were associated with teaching hospitals and located in urban and rural areas. Subjects. Subjects included 515 adult outpatients, 60% African-American, 81% women, and 43% married. The age ranged from 18 to 87 years old, and the mean age was 45 (SD = 14). Patients were predominantly low-income (mean household income of $490 per month) and uninsured (71%). Measures. Standard questionnaires were given to assess stage of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy for exercise and dietary fat reduction. Results. Although the χ2 analysis revealed that dietary fat and exercise stage of change were significantly related, Pearson χ2 (df = 16) = 74.30, p < .001, 35% of the sample was stage incongruent between behaviors (e.g., a significant percentage of exercise maintainers were precon-templators for reducing dietary fat). Only 27% of the sample was in the same stage for both behaviors. Correlations and multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) indicated that relationships between behaviors were similar to those found previously within behaviors; however, the effect sizes were markedly attenuated. Conclusions. These results have implications for healthcare providers working with weight management. Accurate assessment of readiness for change for both exercise and dietary fat consumption is critical. For many patients, readiness for change differs dramatically between the two behaviors, and interventions may need to be tailored more precisely. Providers may need to use more active, behaviorally focused interventions for the more advanced behavior while simultaneously implementing more cognitively focused interventions for the less advanced one.


10.19082/4447 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 4447-4453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seddigheh Abbaspour ◽  
Rabiollah Farmanbar ◽  
Fateme Najafi ◽  
Arezoo Mohamadkhani Ghiasvand ◽  
Leila Dehghankar

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