How is progression through stages viewed in the Transtheoretical Model?

In the Transtheoretical Model, progression through the various stages of change—precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance—is understood as a dynamic process that can be non-linear and individualized. This means that while individuals may move through these stages, their journey is not always sequential. People may skip stages, return to earlier stages, or cycle through stages multiple times based on personal experiences, situational factors, and readiness to change.

This perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of behavior change, recognizing that different individuals may experience these stages differently and may be influenced by a variety of personal or contextual factors. Thus, movement through the stages is flexible, accommodating the complexities of human behavior and the varying contexts in which change might occur. This human-centric view emphasizes the psychological processes at play rather than adhering to a rigid, fixed pathway.