Analysis

The Stages of Change Questionnaire – Revised is a tool used to assess the phase an individual is in regarding a behavior change. The instrument is based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, which recognizes that behavior change is not a linear process but evolves through different stages.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the questionnaire is to help understand the stage of change an individual is in with regard to a specific behavior, such as smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, or improving nutrition.

Stages of Change

The Transtheoretical Model of Change includes the following stages:
Precontemplation: The individual does not recognize the need for change and is not planning to change soon.
Contemplation: The individual acknowledges the need for change and is thinking about it, but has not yet made a decision to take action.
Preparation: The individual is ready to make the change and has begun planning specific steps to achieve it.
Action: The individual has started making changes in behavior and is implementing the strategies they have planned.
Maintenance: The individual has adopted the new behavior for a sufficient period and is working to sustain the changes.
Relapse: The individual returns to old habits and needs to restart the change process.

Scoring

The scoring of the questionnaire includes items that ask the individual to evaluate which stage they are in regarding the change of a specific behavior.

References

Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395.
Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The transtheoretical model of health behavior change. American Journal of Health Promotion, 12(1), 38–48.
DiClemente, C. C., & Prochaska, J. O. (1982). Self-change and therapy change of smoking behavior: A comparison of processes of change in cessation and maintenance. Addictive Behaviors, 7(2), 133–142.
Nigg, C. R. (2000). The transtheoretical model of behavior change: A decade later. Health Education & Behavior, 27(6), 110–129.
James, S. A., & Linton, J. M. (2010). Stages of change and exercise adherence: The role of cognitive and behavioral processes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 33(2), 133–145.