Assessing Readiness To Change

Transtheoretical Model
The Transtheoretical Model describes the stages of behavior prior to change. It focuses on the
individual’s decision making. This model involves the state of feeling, awareness, judgments,
perceptions, and behavior. This model has been used in a variety of problem behaviors.
The Transtheoretical Model describes the process of change in 5 stages.
1 Precontemplation — The person has no intention to change or take action within the
near future. In this stage, people are usually uninformed about the consequences of their
behavior or they may have failed at previous attempts to change. They may avoid seeking
information that would help them change their behavior.
2 Contemplation — The person intends to change within the next 6 months. He/she is
aware of both the positive effects and the negative effects of change. This can cause
uncertainty as to which approach to follow and result in procrastination and the inability
to make a move to change. This person is not ready for an action program.
3 Preparation — The person plans to take action within the next month. He/she has
usually prepared and has a plan of action. A program of action that would assist with
behavior change would be beneficial. Examples of helpful programs may be in smoking
cessation, weight loss or an exercise program.
4 Action — The person has made significant modifications in his/her behavior and
way of life.
5 Maintenance —The person is not working as hard as the person in the Action mode,
but is working to prevent a relapse. The person is confident of continuing to change.

Name Date
Assessment

Plan

Provider signature

Adapted from:
Prochaska JO. Stages of change and the transtheoretical model. 1985.
www.courseweb.uottawa.ca/epi6181/images/TTM_review.pdf Accessed
June 15, 2009.
Zimmerman GL, Olsen CG, Bosworth MF. A ‘stages of change’ approach
to helping patients change behavior. Am Fam Physician. 2000;3.:1409-
1422. www.aafp.org/afp/AFPprinter/20000301/1409.html?print=yes
Accessed June 15, 2009.

16A
Self-Efficacy for the Professional
Understanding the Theory/Concept
Perceived self-efficacy is defined as a person’s belief about their capabilities to
produce specific levels of performance that have influence over events that affect their
lives. “Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves and
behave. Such beliefs produce these diverse effects through four major processes. They
include cognitive, motivational, affective, and selection processes.”

A person with a strong belief in his/her own ability to approach difficult problems faces
the challenge rather than avoids it. The individual sets high goals and is committed to
achieve the goal. If one should fail, one searches for a way to improve one’s knowledge
and skills to tackle the problem again. “They quickly recover their sense of efficacy after
setbacks or failure.” This strong sense of efficacy results in accomplishment and less
risk of depression.

In contrast, a person with a low belief in one’s ability to confront problems shies away
from difficult tasks, viewing them as a personal threat. When confronted with a difficult
task the person focuses on his/her weaknesses and possible obstacles, rather than a
solution to the problem. This person has low aspirations and weak commitments to the
goals he/she wishes to achieve. Previous failures contribute to one’s lack of faith in his/
her capabilities. These individuals are at higher risk of depression.

WORKING WITH YOUR PATIENTS

In discussing risk factor behavior changes and making a plan, ask patients how
confident they are to make the agreed upon change (on a scale of 1-100% or 1-10).
The individual is more likely to be successful when their confidence level is 70%
or greater.

1 Explain the problem; ask the patient for possible solutions.

2 For those who have anxiety, set goals in small stages.

3 Assess their self-efficacy and focus on moving it toward a 70% confidence level.
(See Form 16E)

4 Introduce the patient to someone who has faced a similar health problem, eg,
refer the patient to a cardiac rehabilitation program where he/she may learn some
coping strategies.
table continues ➥

16B
Self-Efficacy for the Professional (cont)
Understanding the Theory/Concept
Sources of Self-Efficacy
1 Mastery of experiences – Each successful experience builds one’s belief in
his/her ability to overcome difficulties. This cannot only be done through easy
success, it also requires experience in overcoming obstacles through
continuing effort.

2 Vicarious experiences through social models – Observing others achieve

success helps one believe that one can achieve similar success. On the contrary,
observing the failure of another person to achieve a similar goal can cause doubts
that one can overcome a similar problem. The impact of modeling on perceived
self-efficacy is strongly influenced by the perception that there is a similarity of
oneself or one’s situation to the models.

3 Social persuasion – Encouraging words from others can help motivate one to
overcome fears and doubts. These boosts in perceived self-efficacy lead people
to try harder to succeed and promote development of skills and a sense of
personal efficacy.

4 Reduce one’s stress reactions – Encouraging a positive attitude reduces stress

and decreases negative thoughts.

Self Efficacy beliefs contribute to motivation by determining the goals people set
for themselves, how much effort they will put forth, how long they will persevere,
especially when it is difficult, and their resilience to failures.

Glossary

Affective Processes regulating emotional states and elicitation of emotional reactions

Processes

Cognitive Thinking processes involved in the acquisition, organization, and

Processes use of information

Motivation Activation to action. Level of motivation is reflected in choice of courses of action

and in the intensity and persistence of effort.

Perceived People’s beliefs about their capabilities to produce effects

Self-Efficacy

Self-Regulation Exercise of influence over one’s own motivation, thought processes, emotional
states, and patterns of behavior

Adapted from:
Bandura A. Self-efficacy. In VS Ramachaudran, ed. Encyclopedia
of human behavior. 4th ed. New York: Academic Press; 1994:71-81.
Reprinted in H Friedman, ed. Encyclopedia of mental health.
San Diego: Academic Press; 1998.

16B
Goal Setting Tips for Lasting Lifestyle
Change for the Patient
Goal setting can help you make lasting lifestyle changes to improve your health.
They help you see what is important to you and help you to stick to your plan. As
you get into the habit of setting and meeting goals, you will find your self-confidence
(believing in yourself to make changes) builds. The tips below will help you set clear
and effective goals.
1 Make sure your goal is really your goal, and not someone else’s. Too often we try
to please others instead of ourselves.
2 Make sure your goal is practical. You should set a goal that is slightly out of your
reach, but not so far that there is no hope of reaching it. You should be at least
70% confident (sure that you can meet the goal) within your time frame.
3 Be specific. Make sure your goal can be measured. Spell out exactly what you
will do, how long, and how often you will do it. For example:
Over the next two weeks, I will walk 30 minutes over my lunch hour
on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
4 Break your goal into small steps. Limit your goals to one to two weeks; reset
the goal as needed, for the following week or two. Success in meeting small goals
helps to build confidence for continued success.
5 Write down your goal. Putting your goals down on paper makes them clear and
real. This is much more powerful than unclear thoughts in the back of your mind.
Put your goal in a place you will see daily. This helps to picture your success.
6 Identify problems. Write down a list of things that may stop you from reaching
your goal. These problems may include your own negative thoughts. Use this list
to make a plan to remove the problem or find a way to deal with it.
7 Keep your balance. Keep a good attitude with working on your goal. Don’t
get too upset if you miss a target. This can get in the way of helping you to make
your changes.
8 Reward your success. Meeting even a small goal is worth celebration. Don’t
get overwhelmed with all you still have to do. Small steps are the key to lasting
lifestyle change.
9 Remain flexible. From time to time, look at the goal you have set for yourself to
see if the goal is still important and right for you. It is okay to change your goal to
fit changes in your life situations.

16C
Goal Setting Worksheet for the Patient
Goal

What I will do

When I will do it

How often I will do it

Who will help me

Problems to
reaching this goal

What I can do to fix

the problem

How certain are you 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

that you will reach
your goal? (Circle one) Not Sure Maybe Very Sure

My reward when I
reach this goal

16D
The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSF)
The following scale was developed to evaluate the coping ability
of daily living. The scale can be administered to evaluate persons
age 12 and older.

Response Format Write the number

that best describes
1 = Not at all true 2 = Hardly true your opinion in the
3 = Moderately true 4 = Exactly true boxes below.
I can always manage to solve difficult problems if I try
hard enough.
If someone opposes me, I can find the means and ways
to get what I want.
It is easy for me to stick to my aims and accomplish
my goals.
I am confident that I could deal efficiently with
unexpected events.
Thanks to my resourcefulness, I know how to handle
unforeseen situations.

I can solve most problems if I invest the necessary effort.

I can remain calm when facing difficulties because I can

rely on my coping abilities.
When I am confronted with a problem, I can usually find
several solutions.

If I am in trouble, I can usually think of a solution.

I can usually handle whatever comes my way.

Add up the numbers from each row in the last column. 

This total equals your self-efficacy score. The higher the
score, the greater your self-efficacy or confidence in your
ability to successfully manage an illness or follow through
with behavior change. This score may change over time.

Adapted from:
Schwarzer R & Jerusalem M. Generalized self-efficacy scale.
In J Weinman, S Wright, & M Johnston. Measures in health psychology:
A user’s portfolio. Causal and control beliefs. Windsor, England:
NFER-NELSON; 1995: 35-37.

16E