Theoretical perspectives on behavior change

The Motivation Tools are inspired by Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change model, also known as the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The model describes behavioral change as an intentional process that unfolds over time and involves progress through a series of stages. It has been widely used across different sectors of healthcare to assess people’s motivation for change and develop intervention programs to address various health concerns – from smoking, to diet, alcohol consumption, and physical activity.    

In adapting the Circle to hearing care, the Ida Institute was among the first to apply the Stages of Change model to this field. The Circle allows clinicians to better understand the typical journey that a person with hearing loss takes. It provides a practical, hands-on framework allowing them to assess their clients’ readiness to take action on their hearing loss and offer appropriate recommendations and advice.
 

In recent literature, however, clinicians and researchers have called for a more comprehensive approach to foster understanding and appreciation of all the complex aspects involved in behavior change and intervention. A person’s motivation, capability to make a change, and the opportunities they may have or not have to do so all play a role in the success of health behavior changes. 

The COM-B model is a framework for detailed analysis of behaviors and the context in which they occur, including the physical and psychological capabilities as well as the social opportunities of the person with hearing loss. This model is useful in situations where a more detailed understanding of all the different complexities of behavior change is required.     
 

Identifying clients' readiness for hearing rehabilitation within initial audiology appointments: A pilot intervention study
Katie Ekberg and Caitlin Barr, 2017

Applying the COM-B behaviour model and behaviour change wheel to improve hearing-aid use in adult auditory rehabilitation
Fiona Barker, Lou Atkins & Simon de Lusignan, International Journal of Audiology, 55:sup3

Using the Behavior Change Wheel in infection prevention and control practice
Lou Atkins, Journal of Infection Prevention, 2016, Vol. 17 (2)