Psychology – A Level specialist option – Health Psychology | e-Consult
A Level specialist option – Health Psychology (1 questions)
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Both TPB and TTM aim to explain and influence health‑related behaviour, but they differ in focus and structure.
| Aspect | Theory of Planned Behaviour | Transtheoretical Model |
| Core constructs | Attitude, Subjective Norms, Perceived Behavioural Control → Intention → Behaviour | Stages of Change (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance), Processes of Change, Self‑efficacy, Decisional Balance |
| Primary focus | Predicting intention based on rational evaluation | Mapping an individual’s readiness to change over time |
| Intervention design | Target attitudes (information), norms (social support), and control (skill training) | Match strategies to stage (e.g., consciousness‑raising in contemplation, action planning in preparation) |
Integrated example: A 12‑week smoking cessation programme that first assesses participants’ stage of change (TTM). Those in the contemplation stage receive motivational interviewing to shift attitudes and enhance perceived behavioural control (TPB). Participants then move to the preparation stage where they develop specific quit plans, receive social support groups (addressing subjective norms), and practice coping skills (enhancing perceived control). Throughout, the programme monitors intention (TPB) and stage progression (TTM) to tailor content, thereby leveraging the strengths of both models.