Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps
Completion requirements
Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps
Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps, Screen 2 of 11
Introduction
Have you ever tried to stop smoking, lose weight, get more exercise, or stop nagging your children? If you have ever tried to make a major change in your behavior, you know how hard it is.
You probably went through several stages, starting with not wanting to change at all. Maybe later you considered the pros and cons of changing for a long time. Perhaps you had a few unsuccessful attempts before you succeeded in making a change, or maybe you’re still thinking about whether you want to try.
That’s totally normal. Two researchers, James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente, discovered that there is a series of Stages of Change that almost everyone goes through when faced with changing an ingrained behavior.
As HIV test counselors, understanding the Stages of Change can be important. The more we adapt our discussion with a client to the client’s stage, the more likely we are to be effective. Let’s look at those stages.
Introduction
Have you ever tried to stop smoking, lose weight, get more exercise, or stop nagging your children? If you have ever tried to make a major change in your behavior, you know how hard it is.
You probably went through several stages, starting with not wanting to change at all. Maybe later you considered the pros and cons of changing for a long time. Perhaps you had a few unsuccessful attempts before you succeeded in making a change, or maybe you’re still thinking about whether you want to try.
That’s totally normal. Two researchers, James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente, discovered that there is a series of Stages of Change that almost everyone goes through when faced with changing an ingrained behavior.
As HIV test counselors, understanding the Stages of Change can be important. The more we adapt our discussion with a client to the client’s stage, the more likely we are to be effective. Let’s look at those stages.