Applying the Transtheoretical Model of Change

Consider for a moment the things you have done to take care of your health in the last 24 hours. Have you washed your hands regularly? Gone to the gym? Tried to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables? What about in the last 12 months? Have you had a checkup? Seen the dentist? Had a vaccination? What motivates you to take these actions?

The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) grew out of analysis and use of different psychotherapeutic theories (hence “transtheoretical”). TTM is based on an understanding of how ready an individual is to decide to make a health behavior change and the factors that influence that position. At each of the five stages, different interventions are required to motivate the person to move forward—to change the decisional balance in favor of the “pros” of change rather than the “cons.”

Chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes) and infectious diseases (e.g., AIDS, malaria) are among the chief causes of increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic diseases often share risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet. Vast amounts of time and money have been spent on research and intervention to address these issues and provide populations with strategies to lower health risks. The constructs of TTM, including self-efficacy and processes of change, have broad application to the prevention of chronic and infectious diseases.

For this Discussion, think about the constructs of the Transtheoretical Model of Change in terms of the health issue you were assigned.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a description of the issue you were assigned. Then, explain how you might apply the constructs of the Transtheoretical Model of Change to the health issue assigned. Provide two justifications as to why this theory may be appropriate to use for this health issue. Finally, explain at least two possible limitations of applying this theory to your health issue.

Assigned issue: Infectious disease- hand washing