AO3 - Prochaska's Six Stage Model of Behaviour Change

• Prochaska's six stage model of behaviour change has been criticised as some argue that the stages of change are not well differentiated. Research argues that the six stages can be reduced to just two useful stages, pre contemplation plus the others grouped together, as the person is thinking about change in all of these later stages but not in the first. This has important implications as each stage in Prochaska's model is matched with a specific intervention. Therefore, this could limit Prochaska's usefulness as a model of behaviour change and for treatment recommendations.
• However, Prochaska's six stage model of behaviour change can be praised as it takes a positive view of relapse. The six stage model does not view relapse as a failure, but as an inevitable part of the dynamic, un-linear process of behaviour change. Although, relapse is more than a 'slip' the model takes it seriously and does not underestimate its potential to knock an addict off the course of recovery. This means the six stage model of behaviour change is more acceptable as a result of its positive outlook on relapse.
• Much of the research into Prochaska's six stage model is based on self-report methods, which could lead to social desirability. Prochaska based this model on nicotine addicts and the changes in their thinking when giving up, they could have lied about how logical their thought processes were when giving up to present themselves in the best possible light. Therefore, this reduces the internal validity of the research into Prochaska's six stage model of behaviour change.