Question

Describe how you would employ the transtheoretical model of behaviour change to reduce DUI behaviour among college students.Describe how you would employ the constructs of the theory in changing behaviour.

Answer 1

The transtheoretical model of behavior change was put forth by Prochaska and DiClemente (992) and talks about five separate components of change namely, stages of change, processes of change, levels of change, self-efficacy and decisional balance. Integration of these five components helps treatment providers to accurately assess individuals’ readiness for change, method and progress. Each component of this model is comprised of certain subcomponents. Like the first stage- stage of change has five sub-stages, namely, precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. During the precontemplation stage the clients deny that they suffer from any problem, during the contemplation stage they are cognizant of their problem and are ready to take steps to improve their condition. Next, individuals prepare themselves for change, take remedial action and try to maintain the changes.

It is with the help of this component, the behavior of college students may be changed for the betterment. First they need to be contemplative and cognizant of the fact that they are having unhealthy behavioral patterns. They may be prepared to take action which is in their good interest. They must be encouraged to take up remedial action to deal with their problematic behaviors and should be encouraged by their significant others to maintain the newly acquired behavioral patterns. The biggest drawback of remaining in this stage is that there are chances of relapses during this stage of change. Therefore, the clients must be encouraged by the counselor to move on to the next stage of transtheoretical model that is process of change. So by consciously engaging in learning new behavioral patterns by conditioning, stimulus control, contingency management, self-liberation and other such processes of change, the individuals may be encouraged to live a new transformed life. The individual must also take into cognizance that change is required at which level- symptom/situational problems, maladaptive cognitions, current interpersonal conflicts, family/systems conflicts, or at intrapersonal conflicts level. Decide accordingly and change the behavior.

Self-efficacious feelings need to be inculcated among the clients that they have the ability to change themselves and should take a decision that they may change themselves.

This model will help the clients to finally adopt new behavioral patterns which are healthy for them.