Stages of Changes

To explore readiness for behaviour change we use Prochaska’s Readiness for

Change model that was originally developed for the purposes of smoking
cessation. It has 5 stages including:

 Pre-contemplation - patient not intending to make change

Example: “Weight loss is not a priority for me right now. I do not

want to make any changes to my current lifestyle.”

Intervention Goals
- Increase awareness of importance
- Increase pros for weight management
- Help client think & talk about their habits
- Focus on the ‘Why’

 Contemplation - patient considering a change

Example: “I am thinking about making some changes to my eating patterns.”

Intervention Goals
- Increase intention to action by:
- addressing ambivalence
- highlighting the benefits specific to them
- building self-efficacy
- Focus on the their abilities

 Preparation - patient making small changes or ready to change in the near

future

Example: “I signed up for a Meditation workshop. I think that will help me with
my stress.”

- Obesity Management CME Program -

This educational material is for your personal use and may not be disseminated.
Intervention Goals
- Help the patient plan
- Set a target date
- Focus on the pros
- Provide helpful resources
- Establish a commitment

 Action - patient actively engaging in a new behaviour.

Example: “I have been going to yoga twice per week now for 6 months. My
balance has improved and I feel more relaxed!”

Intervention Goals
- Support the patient to prevent relapse
- Teach the patient to deal with potential lapses
- Promote social support
- Reward

 Maintenance - patient continuing with the behaviour change

Example: “I have been taking home-made lunches to work 4 days per week for
over a year now. It is saving me a lot of money but I am getting bored of them.
Do you have any easy lunches that I could make to spice things up?”

Intervention Goals
- Support the patient to maintain
- Prepare the patient for relapses
- Refine and add variety to program
- Reward

Read more about stages of changes, self-study materials prepared by Alberta

Health Services (AHS) Addiction Center:
http://www.addictioncentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Stages-Of-
Change1.pdf

- Obesity Management CME Program -

This educational material is for your personal use and may not be disseminated.