A study by behavioral scientists on how people change to improve their behavior resulted in the concept that there are six definite stages in behavior modification. There are numerous psychotherapies used to modify or improve the behavior of people with problems. Most are mildly effective. Of these psychotherapy strategies, specific ones can be used in the various stages to more effectively improve the behavior of an individual. (These concepts are based on the book Changing for Good referenced in Resources.)
Questions you may have include:
What are the six stages of change?
What are the various change processes?
How is this method applied?
This lesson answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz at the end of this lesson.
Six stages of change
The observed stages of change in a person are:
Pre-contemplation
Contemplation
Preparation
Action
Maintenance
Termination
Six stages of change
1Pre-contemplation
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2Contemplation
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3Preparation
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4Action
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5Maintenance
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6Termination
Understanding these stages and using the appropriate change process is considered a highly effective technique to help solve problems and improve a person’s behavior.
1. Pre-contemplation
Pre-contemplation is a situation where the person can’t see a problem, so he or she doesn’t consider the need for a solution. People in this stage have no intention of changing their behavior and even deny having a problem, even though others may complain about it. They resist change and would rather have those around them change.
An example is an alcoholic who would rather lose his family than stop drinking. Another situation is where peers may encourage cheating or stealing, causing the person to believe that is the correct way to behave.
2. Contemplation
People in the contemplation stage admit they have a problem and would like to change, but they aren’t ready to make a commitment. They think about it but don’t act.
Emotional arousal and giving a strong argument for the need to change can sometimes help move these people.
3. Preparation
People in the preparation stage are planning on taking action soon. They are committed to action, but they still may need to convince themselves that taking action is the best for them. They may have already started changing their behavior with small steps, but they still need some careful planning before taking full action.
Some preparation changes that can be made are that of improving the level of awareness, emotions, self-image, and thinking. These will lead up to changing their behavior.
4. Action
In the action stage, people modify their behavior and their surroundings. This is the most visible and requires the most commitment of time and energy.
5. Maintenance
There is a struggle to maintain the gains made in the action stage to prevent lapses. Maintenance is a long and ongoing process, and there is a fight not to give in to temptation to go back to the old ways.
6. Termination
The behavior is completely changed and the person has confidence that he or she is not threatened by temptation. In such a situation, a person may no longer crave cigarettes or have uncontrollable anger fits.
Change processes
Typical psychotherapies used to modify or improve the behavior include:
Consciousness raising
Social liberation
Emotional arousal
Self-reevaluation
Commitment
Countering
Environmental control
Rewards
Helping relationships
The following is an overview of each.
Consciousness raising
Consciousness raising is raising the person’s level of awareness about him- or herself and the problem. Techniques used include observations, confrontations, interpretations and bibliotherapy. For example, being aware of which foods cause weight gain can help in dieting.
Social liberation
Change through social liberation is done by increasing social alternatives for certain behaviors. For example, a low-fat diet menu in a restaurant gives a person an alternative. Techniques used are often external, such as advocating the right of repressed people and policy interventions. This not only makes more actions possible, but it can also increase self-esteem, so the person will believe in his or her ability to change.
Emotional arousal
Emotional arousal often comes from experiencing and expressing feelings about one’s problems and solutions. It can make a person to become aware of defenses against change. Techniques include psychodrama, grieving losses, and role playing. The goal is to increase awareness and depth of feeling to move a person to change.
Self-reevaluation
Self-reevaluation is done by experiencing and expressing feelings about one’s problems and solutions with respect to the problem. Techniques used are value clarification, imagery, corrective emotional experience. The person may ask questions concerning the pros and cons of a problem behavior.
Commitment
Commitment is done by choosing and committing to act and include the belief in the ability to change. The person first makes a personal commitment to change and later goes public by announcing to others of the decision to change. The public commitment is more powerful than the private decision.
Countering
Countering is done by substituting alternatives for problem behaviors. Techniques used are relaxation, desensitization, assertion and positive self-statements. The trick is in finding healthy alternatives to unhealthy behaviors.
Environmental control
By restructuring the environment, temptations are eliminated or warnings are posted, so that the problem-causing event is reduced. Removing alcohol from the home or putting a warning note on the refrigerator door are methods to control the behavioral environment.
Rewards
A person can reward him- or herself or be rewarded by others for making changes. Self-praise is a simple form of reward. Praise or some other form of reward from another is also effective in improving behavior. This is often used by parents with their children.
Helping relationships
Helping relationships is done by enlisting the help of someone who cares. Although family and friends care, their help is typically not as effective as self-help groups and special social support.
Strategies for change
An effective way for a psychotherapist to help change a patient’s behavior is to use select change processes during the various stages of change.
1. Pre-contemplation
In the pre-contemplation stage, where the person may not even think he or she has a problem, raising the consciousness about such a problem and providing social alternatives for certain behaviors will move the patient toward accepting he or she needs to change.
2. Contemplation
In the contemplation stage, where the person is thinking about changing, raising the person’s level of awareness about him- or herself and the problem is a start toward change. Social alternatives and arousing emotions about the issue are also used. Finally, using self-reevaluation and assessing feelings and thoughts about one’s self with respect to the problem can move the patient toward making a change.
3. Preparation
In the preparation stage, where the person is planning on taking action soon, using social alternatives and emotional arousal can be used to enhance the preparation and move the person to action. Allowing the patient to express feelings about his or her problems and possible solutions, plus choosing and committing to act, are also effective and should be used.
4. Action
In the action stage, where the person is actually modifying his or her behavior, a large number of change processes can be used. Finding social alternatives for certain behaviors, controlling the environment to eliminate temptations, and substituting alternatives for problem behaviors are effective. Self-rewards and self-praise for changes is useful. Letting others know of the commitment to change is important in the action stage. This includes enlisting someone who cares to help in making improvements.
5. Maintenance
In the maintenance stage, where the person is struggling to maintain the gains made, it is important for the person to announce his or her commitment to change. The person can also counter or substitute alternatives for problem behaviors. Environmental control of eliminating temptations is useful in this stage. Also getting rewards for the new behavior can be used. Finally, helping relationships assists in maintaining the new behavior.
In conclusion
Scientists concluded there are six definite stages in behavior modification. Numerous psychotherapies are used to modify behavior of people with problems. Specific psychotherapy strategies can be used in the various stages to more effectively improve the behavior of an individual.
What is an example of a person in the preparation stage of change?
Why is a public commitment is more powerful than the private decision?
What environmental control can be used to help you stay on your diet?
Pick an answer to see instant feedback. Re-read the lesson if you miss one.
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a champion in understanding behavior. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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