Behaviour change requires the participation of the individual and a practitioner can influence the outcomes of behaviour change (Mason & Butler, 2010). The transtheoretical model (TTM) explains behaviour change as a process which involves five stages and each stage is according to the individual’s readiness for change (Prochaska et al, 1992). The stages are described as: pre-contemplation stage (no intention to change behaviour); contemplation stage (aware of problem’s existence and seriously considers change); preparation stage (intends to take action); action stage (modifies behaviour to overcome problem); and maintenance stage (prevents relapse and consolidate gains). TTM assumes ambivalence, barriers to change, willingness to act and relapses as part of the change process and one might go through the stages of change several times in the attempt to change behaviour (Prochaska et al, 1992).
