Which model views behavior change as a gradual process occurring through distinct stages?

The Transtheoretical Model is recognized for its structured approach to behavior change, emphasizing that such changes occur in distinct and sequential stages. This model identifies five key stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Each stage reflects the individual’s readiness to change, allowing for tailored interventions that match where a person is in their journey toward healthier behaviors.

The model emphasizes that people do not move through these stages in a linear fashion but can cycle back and forth between them. This dynamic process accounts for the fact that achieving lasting behavior change often requires repeated attempts and adjustments instead of a one-time effort. By understanding these stages, healthcare providers can offer support that is appropriate to the individual’s current situation, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful behavior change.

Other models, such as the Health Belief Model, focus more on individual beliefs and perceived risks related to health behaviors rather than clearly defined stages. The Social Learning Model centers around the influence of social context and learning from others, lacking the structured progression that characterizes the Transtheoretical Model. While there are various frameworks for understanding behavior change, the Transtheoretical Model specifically highlights the gradual and stage-based nature of this process, making it the most appropriate choice for the question at