10. Prochaska's Model

Question 1

what is Prochaska’s model?

Answer 1

Prochaska’s six stage model explains the stages people go through to change their behaviour. The stages are not necessarily followed in linear order.

Question 2

what are the stages? explain them. (6)

Answer 2

• Pre-contemplation: before the thoughts of changing behaviour. Denial or demotivation.
• Contemplation: at this stage, someone is thinking about making a change in the next 6 months.
• Preparation: acknowledgement that the – outweigh the +, preparation to change may see one making an appointment at the GP.
• Action: they have done something to change their behaviour i.e. pouring booze down the sink.
• Maintenance: focus is now on relapse prevention such as avoiding high-risk situations.
• Termination: no longer interacts with addictive substance/behaviour. Not achievable for all.

Question 3

what are the strengths of the model? (2)

Answer 3

• it emphasises the importance of time within recovery
• DiClemente argues that the attitude to relapse makes the model successful as it acknowledges that it is often unavoidable. Minimises guilt/failure in individual which may further trigger relapse.

Question 4

what is the main criticism of the model?

Answer 4

Bandura argued that there was a lack of clarification between the precontemplation and contemplation stage: they only differ quantitatively