Transtheoretical Model

1. Article Citation:
Fahrenwald, N., & Walker, S. (2003). Application of the transtheoretical model of behavior change to the physical activity behavior of WIC mothers. Public Health Nursing, 20(4), 307-317.

2. Article summary (purpose, methodology, results, analysis -incl. potential sources of bias),

The purpose of the article was to examine the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change in relationship to the physical activity behavior of mothers receiving assistance from the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC). The WIC program provides food, nutrition counseling, and access to health resources and services for low-income women, infants, and children. The specific aims of the study were to examine the relationship

Inclusion criteria were nonpregnant women with children, aged 19 and older, with access to a telephone and able to respond to questions over the telephone. The Stage of Exercise Adoption (SEA) tool was administered to identify the woman’s stage of physical activity behavior change, and an appointment for telephone data collection was made. Data collection took place over the telephone at a pre-established time and took approximately 30 minutes. Recruitment continued until a sample of six women at each of the five stages of physical activity behavior change was obtained (N =

For all three behavioral indices, participants in the precontemplation stage reported the least physical activity behavior, whereas participants in the action and maintenance stages of behavior change reported the most physical activity behavior. In addition, physical activity behavior progressively increased from the precontemplation to the action stage of behavior change for all three indices. The results for the relationships between the stages of behavior change and other TTM constructs were that each of the TTM behavior change constructs had a statistically significant relationship with stage of physical activity behavior change. These relationships were positive for self-efficacy, pros, and decisional balance and negative for cons. The results for the perceived pros and cons of physical activity were divided into the top four pro (benefit) statements and the top three con (barriers) statements. The four top pro statements were: 1) sense of personal accomplishment, 2) increased muscle strength, 3) improved muscle tone, and 4) improved mental health. The three top cons (barriers) were: 1) physical activity tires me, 2) I am fatigued by physical activity, and 4) physical activity is hard work for me. Frequency counts were used to