Behavioral change is the transformation of a person's behavior to improve interpersonal performance and satisfaction with life. Behaviors are thought to be stable dispositions and a set of attitudes and behaviors that someone may have consistently. These behaviors are then categorized into three basic categories: instinctual, conscious, and learned. Evolved dispositions are based on genetic memory and are generally considered to be "vanished" after adulthood. Conscious behavioral change can be motivated by a need to fit in with a group, to fit in with society, to satisfy some pre-existing needs, or to escape certain anxiety and distress. Instinctual changes are based on the central nervous system, hormones, and cognitive processes and are generally considered to be innate.
The theories of behavioral change are designed to help people who wish to modify their behavioral patterns. The theories attempt to make explanations for why behaviors do not occur consistently. Theories of behavioral change present an integrated model of behavior that encompasses all three categories and attempts to explain how to modify behavior to create new and more effective ones. A variety of approaches have been used to develop these theories. The behavioral change theory can be viewed as an evolved system of thoughts and feelings that have emerged from a person's experiences over time.
The theory has four main stages of behavioral change: pre-stage, post-stage, and post-stage. The pre-stage is the least significant phase of the behavioral change process. During this time, a person's awareness of his/her behavior is the greatest. Knowledge about the four stages is therefore critical to helping a person to recognize and change his/her behavior.
The second stage of behavioral change is called the pre-stage. This is the period when a person is unaware of his/her behavior and has limited knowledge about the concepts and principles governing behavioral change. During this stage, most people are in a state of unawareness. Many theories of behavioral change suggest that awareness is the first step towards changing behavior.
The third stage is known as the post-stage. During this stage, a person's awareness about his/her behavior increases and he/she begins to actively control his/her behavior. At this point, most people understand that they need to alter their behavior and begin to work on modifying their behaviors. The fourth and final stage is known as the recovery stage. This is a period where a person fully comprehends his/her responsibility towards others and creates strategies to deal with problems.
The theories of behavioral change are not intended to diminish or deny the existence of biological and environmental factors that can cause individuals to act in extreme ways. Nor are they meant to discount the valuable contribution that friends and family can make in helping a person overcome obstacles. Rather, these theories are intended to provide individuals with a framework through which they can examine their personal experiences and draw upon them for solutions to their problems, while concurrently reducing competing pressures from within themselves and drawing on resources outside of themselves that might be otherwise unavailable. For more information, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioural_change_theories.
