Summary A Level Psychology Addiction: Prochaska's model' (AQA)

Applying theories of behaviour change to addiction: Prochaska’s model
Summary: explains the stages people go through to change their behaviour, 6
stages of change from not considering it at all to making permanent change.
Recognises that overcoming addiction doesn’t happen quickly or in a linear
order. Addicts differ in how ready they are to change their behaviour.
Usefulness of treatment interventions will depend on the stage is at.


6 stages:
Precontemplation – people aren’t thinking about changing their addiction
behaviour in the future. May be because of denial (never considered changing
as don’t think they have a problem) or demotivation (tried unsuccessfully
many times to abstain so is demoralised.
Intervention should focus on helping the person to consider the need for
change, making them aware of negative consequences.
Contemplation – thinking about making a change to their behaviour in the
next 6 months, doesn’t mean they have decided to change, but are
increasingly aware for the need to change (e.g. health) but are aware of the
costs (less pleasure).
People can remain in a chronic state of contemplation for a long time so most
useful intervention would be to help the person see why pros outweigh the
cons.