Model Description
The Prochaska and DiClemente stages of change model is a framework that explains how people move through different stages of change as they try to modify their behaviors. It was developed by psychologists James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente in the 1980s and has been widely used in psychology, addiction treatment, and health behavior change. The Prochaska and DiClemente model emphasizes that change is a process and that people may move back and forth between stages as they work towards their goals (Del Rio Szupszynski & de Ávila, 2021). Different approaches may be needed to support people at different stages of change. The model consists of six stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination.
Model Stages
Precontemplation
In this stage, the individual is not aware of the problem or is unwilling to acknowledge it. They may be in denial about the negative consequences of their behavior and may not see a need for change.
Intervention
An addiction professional would try to educate the client about the negative consequences of their behavior and help them see the benefits of seeking treatment (Singer & Profile, 2009). This might involve providing information about the negative consequences of their addiction, such as health problems or legal issues, and helping them to see how treatment could improve their overall quality of life.
Challenges
At this stage, an addiction professional may face getting the client to acknowledge the problem and engage in treatment. The client may resist change and may not see the need for treatment.
Contemplation
In this stage, the individual is aware of the problem and is considering making a change. They may be weighing the pros and cons of seeking treatment and unsure whether they are ready to change.
Intervention
An addiction professional would try to help the client to decide between seeking treatment. This might involve exploring the client’s motivations for change, helping them to identify their goals for treatment, and assisting them in making a plan for how to achieve those goals.
Challenges
A key difficulty an addiction professional might encounter during this stage is assisting the client in overcoming their hesitation to pursue treatment. The client may be uncertain whether they are ready to change and may be swayed by negative thoughts or feelings about treatment.
Preparation
In this stage, the individual is ready to make a change and is taking steps to do so. They may gather information about treatment options, plan how to enter treatment and seek support from friends and family.
Intervention
An addiction professional would help the client implement their treatment plan. This might involve assisting them in finding a treatment program that meets their needs, helping them to overcome any barriers to treatment, and providing them with support and encouragement as they prepare to enter treatment.
Challenges
A potential obstacle for an addiction professional during this stage is assisting the client in addressing logistical issues or practical barriers to treatment, such as transportation or financial issues.
Action
In this stage, the individual has entered treatment and is actively working to change their behavior. They may participate in therapy sessions, attend support groups, and make lifestyle changes to support their recovery.
Intervention
An addiction professional would provide the client with ongoing support and guidance as they work to change their behavior. This might involve helping the client develop coping strategies for managing cravings or triggers, providing them with support and encouragement as they work to maintain their recovery, and helping them identify and address any issues hindering their progress.
Challenges
One challenge that an addiction professional may face in this stage is helping the client to stay engaged in treatment and to follow through with their treatment plan. The client may face setbacks or challenges as they work to change their behavior, and the professional addiction needs to help them to stay motivated and on track.
Maintenance
In this stage, the individual has successfully changed their behavior and is working to maintain their recovery. They may be participating in ongoing support groups or therapy sessions and making lifestyle changes.
Challenges
One challenge that addiction professionals may face during the maintenance stage is relapse. Many people struggling with addiction are at risk of relapse, and professionals must be prepared to support their clients through this process (Castillo‐Garayoa et al., 2020). This may involve helping clients identify triggers, developing strategies to cope with them, and providing ongoing support and encouragement to help clients stay on track with their recovery goals.
Termination
The termination stage in the Prochaska and DiClemente stages of change model is the final stage of behavior change when the person has fully adopted the new habit and made it part of their lifestyle. An addiction expert helps the client recover and avoid relapse at this stage.
An addiction expert may help a client construct a maintenance plan at termination. Identifying triggers and high-risk events, establishing coping methods, and setting goals are examples. The professional could also help the client identify and overcome obstacles to rehabilitation, such as a lack of support or resources. An expert may struggle to keep a client motivated during termination (Abbas et al., 2022). Maintaining recovery might be easy to forget when the client has made substantial progress. The expert may need to motivate the client by reminding them of recovery benefits, setting goals, and rewarding progress.
References
Abbas, A., Ekowati, D., Suhariadi, F., Fenitra, R. M., & Fahlevi, M. (2022). Integrating cycle of Prochaska and DiClemente with ethically responsible behavior theory for social change management: Post-COVID-19 social cognitive perspective for change. Handbook of Research on Global Networking Post COVID-19 (pp. 130-155). IGI Global.
Castillo‐Garayoa, J. A., Montes‐Vallecillos, A., Perales‐Echeverría, A., Sánchez‐Velasco, A., & Medina‐Cervera, S. (2020). Stages of change and engagement in a family intervention. Child & Family Social Work, 25(1), 45-52.
Del Rio Szupszynski, K. P., & de Ávila, A. C. (2021). The transtheoretical model of behavior change: Prochaska and DiClemente’s model. Psychology of Substance Abuse (pp. 205-216). Springer, Cham.
Singer, J. B. (2009). Prochaska and DiClemente’s stages of change model for social workers. Web.