Stage theories of health behavior: Conceptual and methodological issues.

Abstract

Despite growing interest in stage theories of health behavior, there is considerable confusion in the literature concerning the essential characteristics of stage theories and the manner in which such theories should be tested. In this article, the 4 key characteristics of a stage theory-a category system, an ordering of categories, similar barriers to change within categories, and different barriers to change between categories--are discussed in detail. Examples of stage models of health behavior also are described. Four major types of research designs that might be used for testing stage theories are examined, including examples from the empirical literature. The most commonly used design, which involves cross-sectional comparisons of people believed to be in different stages, is shown to have only limited value for testing whether behavior change follows a stage process.

Cites (7)

1. Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change.
   Prochaska, James O., DiClemente, Carlo C. · 1983 · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
2. In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors.
   Prochaska, James O., DiClemente, Carlo C., Norcross, John C. · 1992 · American Psychologist
3. The Health Belief Model: a decade later.
   Janz, Nancy K., Becker, Marshall H. · 1984 · Health Education Quarterly
4. Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions, and perceived behavioral control
   Ajzen, Icek, Madden, Thomas J · 1986 · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
5. Protection motivation and self-efficacy: A revised theory of fear appeals and attitude change
   Maddux, James E, Rogers, Ronald W · 1983 · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
6. The yin and yang of progress in social psychology: Seven koan.
   McGuire, William J. · 1973 · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
7. Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine
   2001

Show all 7 references

Cited by (24)

1. Modeling health behavior change: how to predict and modify the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors.
   Schwarzer, Ralf · 2008 · Applied Psychology
2. The Protective Action Decision Model: Theoretical Modifications and Additional Evidence
   Lindell, Michael K., Perry, Ronald W. · 2012 · Risk Analysis
3. Social cognition models and health behaviour: A structured review
   Armitage, Christopher J., Conner, Mark · 2000 · Psychology & Health
4. Toward a theory-based analysis of behavioral maintenance
   Rothman, Alexander J. · 2000 · Health Psychology
5. Mechanisms of health behavior change in persons with chronic illness or disability: The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA).
   Schwarzer, Ralf, Lippke, Sonia, Luszczynska, Aleksandra · 2011 · Rehabilitation Psychology

See all 668