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Résumé: De nombreuses études ont montré les effets bénéfiques de l’exercice physique au niveau physiologique et psychologique. Cependant, les mécanismes de l’adoption et du maintien d’une pratique physique régulière restent mal connus, d’où les difficultés rencontrées dans la mise en œuvre d’interventions efficaces à court et long termes. Le modèle transthéorique, mis au point par Prochaska et DiClemente, permet de mieux comprendre les différents mécanismes du changement intentionnel de comportement. Ce modèle postule que les différentes stratégies d’intervention devraient être adaptées au stade de changement d’un individu. L’objectif de cet article est de présenter ce modèle avec ses différentes composantes et la façon dont elles s’articulent à travers le continuum de la motivation au changement. Les nouvelles applications, dont notamment l’activité physique régulière et les méthodes d’interventions, seront ensuite passées en revue. Enfin, des perspectives et orientations futures de recherche seront présentées. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of the stages and processes of change describes five different stages of motivational readiness, which is common, tomost behaviour change processes. The aim of this study was to identify processes of change that healthcare workers (HCWs) use to progress from one stage of physical activity (PA) to another. This was a retrospective quantitative descriptive design involving 163 HCWs who were previously exposed to different education and motivation to exercise for a period of 6 months. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, and anthropometric measures were taken pre and post interventions. Data were analysed using SPSS version 18.0 for descriptive statistical analysis. Chi-square was used to draw the inferential associations. The results showed that all the ten processes of change influenced the exercise behaviour of HCWs. However, the most utilized construct was behavioural processes by HCWs at action stage compared to those at pre-action stages who mainly used cognitive processes. The least utilized constructs were helping relationships (54%) and stimulus control (64%) by all HCWs. Medical staff significantly used conscious raising as compared to nonmedical staff (p=0.038), and males used less dramatic relief process (53.67%) as compared to females (79%). Results show that precontemplators only utilized two processes of change. This demonstrated the extent of their resistance to change despite the efforts made to increase their exposure levels to PA interventions. Helping relationships and stimulus control were the least utilized processes. Hence, it is essential to incorporate both cognitive and behavioural processes as motivation to persuade HCWs to exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study related to the transtheoretical model (TTM) of intentional behavioral change in alcoholics. It mentions that the study was conducted on individuals with unhealthy alcohol use characterized by low readiness to change. It reports that the psychometric properties weer assessed by three constructs of TTM including the 20-item Processes of Change (POC-20), the Alcohol Decisional Balance Scale (ADBS) and the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy (AASE) scale.

This article presents a counseling framework based on the Scheme of Change for Sport Psychology Practice (SCSPP; Samuel & Tenenbaum, 2011a). The first section of the article describes the SCSPP framework, and illustrates a generic consultation process based on this perspective. The second section presents two case studies in which the author used the SCSPP framework to facilitate athletes’ coping efforts in change-events. The first case involves a retired athlete who suffers from maladaptive effects, while the second case involves an athlete working with a new coach and transitioning from junior to senior level. The discussion offers conceptual and practical considerations pertaining to the two case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast biopsychosocial characteristics and processes of change (POC) between 1-month quitters and relapsers among male smokers in Korea. Methods: This study employed a prospective study design. Forty-one male smokers were recruited on one university campus. The instruments used in this study included blood pressure (BP), body mass index, salivary cortisol, perceived stress, self-efficacy, and POC. After collection of baseline data, participants were encouraged to adopt smoking cessation, either by obtaining smoking cessation counseling or self-abstinence. Baseline data and data collected after 1 month from smoking cessation were compared. Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.9 years (SD = 1.90 years), and 51.2% were overweight or obese. According to results of the study, SBP, DBP, and perceived stress were significantly lower, whereas self-efficacy was significantly higher among quitters, compared with relapsers, after 1 month (p < .05). Results of within-group comparison indicated that, among POC, self-liberation, helping relationship, and reinforcement management showed a significant decrease among 1-month relapsers (p G .05),whereas, counter conditioning showed a significant increase among 1-month quitters (p < .05). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, BP and perceived stress showed a significant decrease among 1-month quitters, whereas those less likely to utilize behavioral processes were more likely to have relapsed after 1 month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To determine whether Transtheoretical Model (TTM) constructs differ between individuals making successful versus unsuccessful stage transitions for consumption of five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day and thus provide a useful basis for designing health promotion interventions. Design. Longitudinal, observational study. A randomly selected, multiethnic cohort of adults assessed at 6-month intervals over 2 years. Setting. General community, Hawaii. Subjects. There were 700 participants (62.6% female; mean = 47 ± 17.1 years; 31.1% Asian, 22.1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 35.0% Caucasian; 25.1% participation rate). Measures. Stage of readiness, experiential and behavioral processes of change, pros, cons, self-efficacy, and self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption. Analysis. The study used t-tests to determine which TTM variable scores differed consistently between those making "successful" versus "unsuccessful?" stage transitions from precontemplation, preparation, and maintenance. Sample sizes for contemplation and action prohibited similar analyses. Results. Compared to those remaining in precontemplation, individuals successfully progressing from precontemplation showed significantly greater use of behavioral processes (collectively and self-liberation) and consciousness raising (p < .001). However, only self-liberation demonstrated significant differences consistently over time. Conclusion. This longitudinal investigation reveals that TTM behavioral processes, particularly self-liberation, predict successful transition out of precontemplation for adult fruit and vegetable consumption, suggesting that public health messages tailored according to these TTM variables may be effective for this group. However, for adults prepared to adopt or maintain fruit and vegetable consumption, tailoring based on variables from other theories is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay analyzes the way in which the dynamics of migrants' spatial movements and certain organizational processes have generated a series of transformations in the positions systems of some Mexican rural areas. There is also an ethnographic follow-up of the main variations that have taken place in the ritual structure of Petlalcingo, Puebla, as a result of the mass exodus and the religious practices of the absent offspring. The intention is to contribute to the development of the "status of the question" concerning the role that migration has played in the reconfiguration of religious positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What does it take of a municipal organization to be a significant participant in the dynamic, learning oriented interaction within a triple helix constellation of partners aimed at regional development? The short answer is that it needs to develop the receptivity (Morgan, ) and the flexibility to act in novel ways, which are the traits of a learning organization. However, how these abilities are enhanced in organizations that are basically organized as bureaucracies aimed at maintaining a stable and standardized function of its operations, is an under-researched phenomenon within the triple helix discussions. In this paper, I investigate this question through an analysis of a change and development process within a municipal organization that aimed to enhance the capacity of the organization to interact receptively and dynamically with their environment, by changing their organizational structure from a bureaucratic to a post-bureaucratic type. The main finding is that rather than the new formal structure as such; it is the process of sensemaking following the introduction of this new formal structure that creates the capacity for learning and development. However, this outcome is dependent on the sensemaking process being turned over from a defensive mode into a learning oriented mode. The paper explores how this turn may be facilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "processes of change" and "motivational language" are common in smoker Facebook users' comments under smoking cessation support contents. Smokers can combine this verbalization of the smoking cessation process with visual expression when they use comments and Facebook reactions at the same time. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between processes of change, motivational language, and the Facebook reaction buttons. A total of 821 smokers' comments were analyzed in the current study ( n = 821), which responded to image-based smoking cessation support contents. The processes of change and the motivational language used in the investigated comments were identified. These linguistic categories were compared with the usage of reaction buttons. The Facebook users who used the "Haha" reaction button wrote a significantly higher proportion of sustain talk than those who used the "Like" or "Love" reaction buttons. The Facebook users who combined the comment and "Love" reaction wrote significantly more change talk than those who did not utilize these buttons. We suggest that the "Haha" reaction may be a negative indicator, the "Like" reaction may be a neutral indicator, and the "Love" reaction may be a positive engagement indicator in terms of the smoking cessation process during Facebook-based interventions. These results may highlight how to evaluate Facebook reactions relating to smoking cessation support contents.

Summary: Objective: The purpose of the present study is to validate a French version of Exercise Processes of Change Questionnaire (PCQ) and to examine its psychometric properties and its relation with the other components of Transtheoritical Model (TTM). Methods: Two hundred ninety-three subjects (198 women), 16–65years old, answered the PCQ and other questionnaires concerning the other components of TTM and concerning exercise intrinsic motivation. Results: Firstly, a confirmatory factor analysis reports good indexes of fit for models distinguishing the 10 processes postulated by the MTT. A significant correlation between both second-order latent variables, distinguishing experiential and behavioural processes (r =0.879) suggests that the split of ten processes of change into two higher-order classes does not improve the model. Secondly, exercise processes of change were significantly associated with the other components of TTM and four dimensions of exercise intrinsic motivation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This cross-sectional study ( N == 4,144) compared three longitudinal dynatypes (Maintainers, Relapsers, and Stable Smokers) of smokers on baseline demographics, stage, addiction severity, and transtheoretical model effort effect variables. There were significant small-to-medium-sized differences between the Stable Smokers and the other two groups on stage, severity, and effort effect variables in both treatment and control groups. There were few significant, very small differences on baseline effort variables between Maintainers and Relapsers in the control, but not the treatment group. The ability to identify Stable Smokers at baseline could permit enhanced tailored treatments that could improve population cessation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is considered to be effective in the reduction of obsessive compulsive symptoms. However, questions remain as to how CBT works. Cognitive-behavioural models postulate that negative appraisals of intrusive thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs that give rise to them underlie the development and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The current study aimed to study this hypothesis by investigating the processes of change over the course of cognitive treatment for OCD. Furthermore, a new theoretical approach and method for studying processes of change was presented. The participants were seven patients suffering from OCD with predominantly checking symptoms. Process variables (beliefs, anxiety and compulsions) were measured using idiosyncratic diaries and were analysed on an intra- and inter-individual level using dynamic systems methods. Results showed significant decreases in credibility of dysfunctional beliefs in six out of the seven participants, which is in line with the cognitive-behavioural model. Associations between process variables were in general medium to high. However, the actual patterns of change showed important intra- and interpersonal differences. Results indicated that different paths can lead to clinical recovery, and it was concluded that process studies that focus on individual trajectories of change can contribute to our understanding of OCD and its treatment. Furthermore, dynamic systems methods provide insight into intra-individual processes and shed a new light on variability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. • Changes in dysfunctional beliefs are associated with effective treatment of OCD. • Patterns of change over the course of successful treatment can vary dramatically between patients. • Optimally, process research could provide information for how to bring about change in different patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are now numerous studies of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain. These studies provide growing support for the efficacy and effectiveness of ACT in this context as well as for the role of ACT-specific therapeutic processes, particularly those underlying psychological flexibility. The purpose of the present study was to continue to build on this work with a broader focus on these processes, including acceptance of pain, general psychological acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action. Participants included 168 patients who completed an ACT-based treatment for chronic pain and a three-month follow-up. Following treatment and at follow-up, participants reported significantly reduced levels of depression, pain-related anxiety, physical and psychosocial disability, medical visits, and pain intensity in comparison to the start of treatment. They also showed significant increases in each of the processes of psychological flexibility. Most uncontrolled effect sizes were medium or large at the follow-up. In correlation analyses changes in the four processes measures generally were significantly related to changes in the measures of depression, anxiety, and disability. In regression analyses the combined processes were related to changes in outcomes above and beyond change in pain intensity. Although in some ways preliminary, these results specifically support the unique role of general psychological acceptance in relation to improvements achieved by treatment participants. The current study clarifies potential processes of change in treatment for chronic pain, particularly those aiming to enhance psychological flexibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In current developmental psychology, there is a movement attempting to overcome the existing theoretical fragmentation through a convergent explanatory framework based on a number of general principles shared by different theories. The purpose of this article is, firstly, to present certain milestone events about the historical transformations that the concept of development has suffered in the last three centuries. Some epistemological considerations that retrieve and renew fertile ideas from the past, such as the conceptions of the nature of change and the way in which it takes place are also analyzed. Finally, reference is made to some of the most novel contributions to the field, from the perspective of the model of systemic and relational development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volitional help sheets use Gollwitzer's (1993) concept of implementation intentions as a vehicle to change behaviour using Prochaska and DiClemente's (1983) processes of change. The present study designed and tested a volitional help sheet to increase physical activity in a group with low socioeconomic status (low-SES). Sixty-eight people (33 women, 35 men; mean age 27) with low-SES were randomly allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. Both groups received a questionnaire and a volitional help sheet; the only difference between the experimental and control groups was that the former were given explicit instructions to link occasions on which they were tempted not to be physically active with appropriate behavioural responses (processes of change). Physical activity (Metabolic Equivalent minutes per week) was the main outcome measure; behavioural intention and self-efficacy were the secondary outcome measures. The findings revealed significant increase in physical activity in the experimental condition, relative to the control condition, F (1, 66) = 7.28, p < 0.01, [image omitted] = 0.10, but no differences for social cognitive variables. Furthermore, the participants who were most responsive to the intervention engaged in more than three times the physical activity at baseline than those who received the intervention but did not subsequently change. The findings provide further support for volitional help sheets to change health behaviour and extend them to a group with low-SES. Further work is required to refine this intervention tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Investigate the relationship between physical activity and components of the Transtheoretical model (TTM), in an older clinical population. Method: 85 people with Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease (age 64.8 ± 8.2 yrs) completed TTM questionnaires. Physical activity was assessed using the 7-day recall questionnaire. Results: Differences across stage of change were found for physical activity, self-efficacy, the pros of more physical active and 5 processes of change. Physical activity, self-efficacy and the pros of more activity were greater in the maintenance than contemplation stage. Stage differences in processes were: consciousness raising (increased contemplation to action), self-liberation (increased contemplation to maintenance), helping relationships (increased preparation to maintenance), counter conditioning (increased contemplation to preparation, action and maintenance) and reinforcement management (increased contemplation and preparation to maintenance). Experiential processes were used more than behavioural processes in the preparation stage. Conclusions: Findings support the theoretical predictions of the TTM and the use of this model in older clinical populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to identify the stages of change, the processes of change, and the decisional balance for weight control, self-efficacy, and other weight control-related variables and to determine the significant factors explaining movements between the stages of change in Korean adolescents. A total of 475 adolescents completed questionnaires and anthropometric measures. The majority of the adolescents were in the precontemplation (42.1%) and contemplation (43.0%) stages. The benefits of weight control (pros), desire for weight change, perceived body shape, and past experience with weight control increased the odds ratio of movement from precontemplation to contemplation. Stimulus control, self-reevaluation, regular exercise, and past experience of weight control significantly influenced the movement to action and maintenance from contemplation. The study results suggest that weight control programs should emphasize significant factors to help adolescents move through the stages of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Test the applicability of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to adult fruit/vegetable consumption. Design. Cross-sectional random-digit dial survey. Setting. Hawaii. Subjects. 700(62.6% female; age [mean ± SD], 47 ± 17.1 years; education [mean ± SD], 14.6 ± 2.8 years; 35.0% white, 31.1% Asian, 22.1% native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 11.8% other). Measures. Stages, processes, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and self-reported fruit/vegetable consumption. Analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the factor structure. Analyses of variance were used to explore stage differences in constructs. Results. Stage distribution was precontemplation (33%), contemplation (4%), preparation (37%), action (3%), and maintenance (23%). A 10-factor process model with two higher-order correlated factors (experiential and behavioral) provided the best data fit (χ² = 1446.12; df= 366; p < .0001; comparative fit index [CEI] = .89; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = .05). The self-efficacy structure fit the data well (χ² = 81.86; df= 9; p < .0001; CFI= .94; SRMR= .04), as did the decisional balance structure (χ² = 37.42; df= 19; p = .007; CFI= .99; SRMR = .02). Processes, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and fruit/vegetable consumption behavior differed significantly by stage, with medium effect sizes for most variables. Conclusion. The variables revealed adequate fit to the theorized measurement models. TTM predictions regarding stage differences in self-efficacy, pros and cons, and fruit/vegetable consumption were confirmed; however, most experiential and behavioral processes increased in the early stages and then leveled off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper discusses theoretical and methodological issues involved in the processes of change in cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment outcome studies showed that CBT is effective in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms. However, why and how CBT works cannot be corroborated by comparing pre- and post-assessment. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in theory driven process studies. By showing patterns of change over time, process studies can contribute to our insight into the actual mechanisms of change during treatment. We review process research in the field of OCD and discuss methodological issues involved in process studies for this particular disorder. It is concluded that studying the processes of change harbours promising possibilities for bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and use of validated processes of change (POC) measures have received little attention in the literature despite their importance in the Transtheoretical Model. Using survey data (N = 2909), we examined the construct validity of a 22-item mammography POC scale by testing for factorial validity and factorial invariance across stage of change. We also used MANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests to confirm stage differences in POC use (concurrent validity). Our results confirm the a priori correlated four-factor structure of this scale and provide some support for the measurement equivalence of this scale across stage, supporting comparisons of POC use across stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: While physical activity is recommended to reduce symptomology associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) little has been done to explore the potential usefulness of theoretical models of exercise behavior change in individuals with MS. Based on the success of the transtheoretical model of exercise behavior change (TTM) in the general population and early promising results in those with MS, the TTM was tested in a sample of women with MS over a 1-year period, to examine its usefulness and the effect of TTM constructs on MS-related symptoms. Methods: This was a longitudinal study conducted over a 1-year period. Ambulatory women (N=86) with MS completed questionnaires assessing exercise behavior, TTM constructs, MS-related quality of life, pain, and fatigue at baseline and after 1 year. After categorization into transitional shift patterns reflecting naturally occurring exercise behavior change over the year, a series of mixed-design analyses of variance were conducted to examine TTM predictions and the relationship of the transitional shift patterns to MS-related quality of life, pain, and fatigue. Results: Significant interactions between transitional shift patterns and time (P < .05) indicated that changes in behavioral and cognitive processes of change and in self-efficacy were consistent with TTM predictions. Significant differences (P < .05) between the transitional shift groups in pain and fatigue in expected directions were also found. Conclusions: Results supported the TTM proposed relationships, indicating the model''s potential for motivating individuals with MS to increase their physical activity. Findings also support the notion that physical activity is useful in reducing MS-related symptoms and that lifestyle types of physical activity may be as useful as structured exercise in bringing about these outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study examined differences in college students' preferences for processes of change across four kinds of problems: academic, relationship, depression, and anxiety. Two hundred eighteen undergraduates were randomly assigned to complete either an academic problems, relationship problems, depression, or anxiety Processes of Change Questionnaire along with the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Services Scale. Results revealed significant differences for preferred processes of change as a function of problem type. Generally, processes of change were more preferred for depression, anxiety, and relationship problems than for academic problems. Results may assist clinicians in selecting psychotherapeutic interventions to which college students will be most receptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Examine behavioral, demographic, psychosocial, and sociocultural concomitants of the stages of change for physical activity behavior among college students in South Korea (n = 221) and the United Stales (n = 166). Methods. Measures obtained in this cross-sectional study included age; body mass index; nationality; gender; exercise behavior; processes of change; decisional balance; self-efficacy; stage of change; and predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors. Results. The amount of variance explained for stage of change by the transtheoretical model constructs (i.e., decisional balance, processes of change, self-efficacy) ranged from 11 % to 29% (all p < .001), whereas the predisposing (2%; p = .052), reinforcing (3%; p = .06), and enabling (5%; p < .001) factors were not as important. In multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis, gender (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3; p < .001), gender by nationality interaction (OR = .27; p < .01), weekly exercise behavior (OR = 1.04; p < .001), and behavioral processes of change (OR 1.12; p < .001) were each significant concomitants of the stages of change. Discussion. In terms of physical activity behavior, South Korean women were more likely than South Korean men to be in the early stages, whereas American men were slightly more likely to be in the early stages than American women when all the concomitants were accounted for. Among the psychosocial stage of change concomitants, only the behavioral processes of change were found to be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history and developmental program of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and relational frame theory (RFT) is described, and against that backdrop the target article is considered. In the authors’ comparison of ACT and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), traditional CBT does not refer to specific processes, principles, or theories but to a tribal tradition. Framed in that way, comparisons of ACT and CBT cannot succeed intellectually, because CBT cannot be pinned down. At the level of theory, change processes, and outcomes, ACT/RFT seems to be progressing as measured against its own goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a longitudinal study, it is examined whether the transtheoretical processes of change do predict stage transitions in fruit intake. A random sample of an existing Internet research panel resulted in a cohort of 735 adults, who were examined three times with electronic questionnaires assessing stages of change, processes of change, and fruit intake. Cross-sectional differences were found for the processes of change between precontemplation and all further stages. Experiential as well as behavioral processes increased from precontemplation to action with similar patterns. Both experiential and behavioral processes predicted forward transition out of precontemplation and forward transition into action, whereas only behavioral processes predicted forward transition out of contemplation. The results indicate that the transtheoretical processes of change predict stage transitions for fruit intake, but that the pattern of relevant processes for fruit intake is not as straightforward as outlined by the transtheoretical model of behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The volitional help sheet draws on Gollwitzer's (1993) concept of implementation intentions by encouraging smokers to link temptations to smoke with appropriate behavioral responses derived from Prochaska and DiClemente's (1983) transtheoretical model. Design: There were 193 smokers who were randomly allocated to receive questionnaires, planning instruction, and a volitional help sheet or one of three control conditions: Questionnaire-only; questionnaire plus planning instruction; or questionnaire, planning instruction plus volitional help sheet without the explicit instruction to link temptations to smoke with appropriate behavioral responses. Main Outcome Measures: Nicotine dependence, number of cigarettes smoked and quit status. Results: Findings revealed significant decreases in nicotine dependence, number of cigarettes smoked, and increases in quitting in the volitional help sheet condition, relative to the control conditions, Fs(3, 189) = 7.48 to 10.78, ps < .01, ηp²s = .11 to .15. This pattern of findings did not hold for social-cognitive variables, with few differences between the volitional help sheet (standard instructions) group and the other conditions. Conclusion: The findings provide support for the use of implementation intentions to protect against health risk behaviors and are congruent with laboratory research showing that implementation intentions are a case of strategic automaticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study addresses the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model's processes of change in explaining adolescents' readiness to quit smoking. Furthermore, the association between nicotine dependence and readiness to quit was assessed both directly, as well as indirectly through the processes of change. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, identifying 1547 weekly smokers aged 14-18 years. Structural equation modelling showed that the processes of change were only marginally associated with readiness to quit. Adding nicotine dependence to the model showed a direct association between nicotine dependence and readiness to quit. Only one process of change, self-liberation (i.e. choice/commitment to change and belief in the ability to change), was found to mediate this association. Nicotine dependence appeared to be highly important in adolescents' readiness to quit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying mediators of physical activity change requires measurement instruments that are reliable, valid, and generalizable to multiple populations. Despite continued application of the transtheoretical model (TTM) to the study of physical activity, the structural components of the TTM measurement instruments have been understudied in diverse populations. A multiethnic sample ( N = 700, M age = 47, 63% women, 38% Caucasian) of participants living in Hawaii completed TTM measures. The factor validity and measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) of decisional balance, barrier self-efficacy, temptations, and processes of change instruments were explored between men, women, age groups, and ethnicities. Measurement models of barrier self-efficacy and revised models of temptations and processes of change demonstrated sufficient evidence for ME/I among all subgroups. A revised model of decisional balance demonstrated sufficient evidence for ME/I between genders and among ethnicities, but not among age groups. Future research should examine the stability of these constructs across time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Understanding intention–behaviour relations is important in physical activity (PA) research given the large number of people who intend to be active but fail to translate these intentions into behaviour. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether processes/cues for popular sedentary leisure-time behaviours and PA explain additional variance in PA behaviour after controlling for PA intention, and to evaluate whether these processes moderate PA intention–behaviour relations. Design: Random population-based cross-sectional survey. Methods: Participants were a random sample of 206 adults who completed measures of the processes of change pertaining to physical activity and four popular leisure-time behaviours (TV viewing, computer use, sedentary hobbies, and sedentary socializing) and an adapted Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Results: Results using hierarchical ordinary least-squares regression provided evidence that cognitive TV processes explain additional variance in PA behaviour and moderate PA intention–behaviour relations. Conclusions: These results extend the prior literature on relationships between sedentary cognitions and physical activity and underscore the potential value of adding sedentary control interventions in concert with physical activity promotion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims To examine the significance of the transtheoretical processes of change in predicting transition through the stages of change in adolescent smokers, as well as the relative role of nicotine dependence in predicting stage transitions. Design In grades 9 and 10, adolescents' stage of change, the use of processes of change and nicotine dependence were assessed (T1). Stage transitions were assessed 1 year later (T2). Response rate was 73.2%. Setting Twenty-five secondary schools throughout the Netherlands participated in the present study. Participants Respondents were 721 adolescents who were classified as smokers at T1 and consequently completed the paper-and-pencil questionnaire at T2. Measurements Stages of change and processes of change were assessed according to the original transtheoretical measures. Nicotine dependence was measured using a newly developed multi-dimensional scale consisting of 11 items. Findings Few associations were found between the processes of change and stage transitions. Nicotine dependence contributed significantly to the explanation of adolescents' transition from preparation to action, after adjustment for processes of change. No evidence for a moderating effect of nicotine dependence in the relation between the processes of change and stage transitions was found. Conclusions Processes of change do not seem significant in explaining adolescents' stage transitions. As an alternative for promoting the use of the processes of change for intervention purposes in adolescents, it might be more useful to focus on treating nicotine dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research which was conducted in an effort to determine the effectiveness of using psychological interventions to motivate participants in an aerobic exercise group. The participants received either no intervention, cognitive-affective intervention, behavioral intervention or a combination of the two interventions. Researchers found that the participants who received the interventions used the processes associated with them over time.