The Trans-theoretical model is an integrative theory that states there are stages in the way people change their behavior. The stages consist of six stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination. Pre-contemplation is when the individual is not even thinking about the “problem.” Contemplation is where he/she is beginning to see the problem. Then, preparation is the stage when the person sees the problem and starts making plans. Next, the action stage is where the change is happening, and maintenance is the change has been made for six months or longer. Lastly, termination is where the change has become long and normalizes into his/her life. Although an individual can go back and forth in these stages. In the view of public health, TTM tries to change the priority audience’s behavior on a particular health event, such as smoking, obesity or vaccination.
The continuum use and emphasis of an anecdote and statistics can alone get the individual into the preparation stage. However, health providers or influencers can use more powerful or stage-relating messages to impact more change. An example may comprise of, “By losing weight, not only is it healthy for your body but you will have more time to spend with your loved ones.” The “obese” person may understand the health benefits of obesity, but it may not be enough to completely persuade them to change their behavior. By using persuasion skills, such as pathos, egos, and logos, it can exert more influence on the individual. If someone brings up a personal experience or emotions, such as guilt, family or friends, one might be more obliged to