Deck 3: Understanding and Achieving Behavior Change

Question 1

What are the stages of change in the transtheoretical model Describe an intervention strategy related to weight loss for clients in each stage of the model.

Answer 1

The transtheoretical model (TTM) was developed by Prochaska and DiClemente. This theory describes the readiness and individual's motivation to change the behavior with respect to a problem. This model is formed based on three assumptions.
The different stages in transtheoretical model are as follows:
1. Precontemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance
The combination of strategies that are designed to produce behavior changes or improve health status of an individual or entire population is called intervention strategy. The intervention strategy is a systematic plan of action. There are three types of intervention strategy that includes default, negotiated, and mandatory.
The intervention strategy, which is related to weight loss for clients, involves the following stages of TTM:
1. Precontemplation : During this stage the person will be uninterested, unaware, or unwilling to a change. For example, some people try several times to lose weight and fail thus, they give up the action and few others cannot recognize the problems associated with their current behavior.
2. Contemplation : In this stage, the persons will be aware of the importance of change and they get motivated by words like "I know I need to". For example, people try to analyze the pros and cons associated with weight loss steps.
3. Preparation : During this stage the persons get prepared to make a specific change. For example, people try to attempt small changes like usage of low-fat diet to decrease the weight.
4. Action : In this stage, the people follow required changes to achieve the weight loss. The persons are appreciated for their changes to achieve the specific goal. This motivation helps the people to continue their action.
5. Maintenance : The motivation and appreciation given in the action stage helps people to maintain the change for long duration. In this stage, the people try to maintain the changes for long periods.
These are the different stages and the changes that are adopted at each stage by an individual to achieve the goal (weight loss).

Question 2

Describe the four general principles that guide the motivational interviewing approach to counseling.

Answer 2

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach which was developed by Miller and Rollnick. This theory motivates the clients and helps them to build a commitment and reach a decision to change.
The four principles that mediate the motivational interviewing approach to counseling are as follows:
1. Resist : In this stage, the client's thinking and the cause for developing the resistance towards a change is clearly studied by the counsellor. By understanding the client, the chances of resisting the change by the client decreases. The client will be able to take gentle changes, which are proposed by the counsellor.
2. Understand : During this stage, the client was provided with his or her present status and motivated towards the advantages that are associated with changing behavior.
3. Listen : In this stage, the counsellor listens to the statements of the client. Accordingly, the counsellor motivates the client, instead of compelling the client towards the change.
4. Empower : At this stage, the counsellors try to explain gently about the current actions of client and how they are leading them away from their goals. This eventually motivates the client towards the change, which directs them to achieve their goal.

Question 3

What are intentions and subjective norms, as defined by the theory of planned behavior, and how might they predict a client's future behavior regarding membership at a local gym

Answer 3

The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is also called theory of reasoned action. This theory was first developed by Icek Ajzen and Martin Fishbein. This theory predicts the person's intention to perform a behavior in a well-defined setting. According to this theory, the behavioral achievement depends on motivation and ability. This theory also distinguishes between three types of beliefs called behavioral, normative, and control.
This theory is comprised of six constructs, which includes attitude, behavioral intention, subjective norms, social norms, perceived power, and perceived behavioral control.
Behavior intention : It focuses on the factors that influence the given behavior to perform with a stronger intention and more likeliness by a person. The factors that influence the performance of an individual are called motivational factors.
Subjective norms : In this construct, mostly the behavior to be performed by an individual is approved or disapproved by the peers and people of importance to the person.
The stronger intention of a person influences him to join the local gym and continue to exercise daily. For example, the self-motivation and awareness on the health issues helps the individual to join the gym. The intention with which an individual joined the gym helps the counselor to predict the future behavior of an individual regarding membership at a local gym.
The approval and family support also helps the people to join the gym. The peer people approve or disapprove the behavior of a person. The influence given by the peer people encodes the construct called subjective norms.
The continuous motivation from the family members allows the person to join and continue the gym while, demotivation from the same allows the individual to discontinue. Hence, the subjective norms can be used to predict the future behavior of an individual regarding membership at a local gym.

Question 4

Describe how a community nutritionist might use each of the following social cognitive theory concepts in classes designed to teach the principles of the USDA's "MyPlate" regarding fruits and vegetables.
a. environment
b. behavioral capability
c. expectations
d. self-efficacy
e. observational learning

Question 5

What are the basic principles of the cognitive behavioral theory Apply this theory to an intervention designed to improve calcium intakes in adolescent girls.