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Continuing our look at theories of addiction, we present one of the most powerful and influential writers. Carlo DiClemente presents here a concise summary of his model of behavioural change, the Transtheoretical Model of Intentional Behaviour Change.
Key words
Transtheoretical Model, intentional behaviour change, therapy, process of change
Introduction
Conceptual models enable us to envision reality and guide our approaches to solve problems. The Transtheoretical Model of Intentional Behaviour Change (TTM) is a model that allows us to view human intentional behaviour change.
Intentional change involves the co-operation and collaboration of the individual to produce and maintain the change in contrast to other imposed changes or those that represent developmental milestones that do not require the participation of the individual.
TTM looks at what an individual experiences and participates in as they create new behaviours,modify existing behaviours, or stop problematic patterns of behaviour.
The dimensions described in the model, the stages, processes, context, and markers of change, are designed to assist in picturing and understanding the process of change (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1984; DiClemente & Prochaska, 1998; DiClemente, 2003).
TTM incorporates elements of various theories of therapy, learning, and behaviour change, hence the term 'Transtheoretical'. However, the model does not try to resolve all the conceptual issues and conflicts among the various theories incorporated in the model. It simply tries to identify and describe important elements of the process of intentional behaviour change.
Stages and tasks of change
An important and defining aspect of the change process involves the critical tasks to be accomplished in order to initiate a behaviour change and to consolidate that change into a stable pattern. These tasks are represented by the stages of change. The stages in turn identify discriminable steps in the process of change.
Each stage or step represents a constellation of tasks that create the foundation for movement forward in the process of change. The tasks build on each other so that the end product of this process is a new, sustained pattern of behaviour that is supported by the adequate accomplishment of each of the preceding tasks.
The idea of stages and tasks contrasts sharply with the view of change as a dichotomous (onoff switch) phenomenon that happens quickly when motivation strikes. Longitudinal studies of...