5 Stages Of Change Model

The underlying causes of sedentary behavior is variable, but studies have been done to investigate possible risk factors with a sitting lifestyle. In order to understand health behaviors, several models were developed. This study used a Stages of Change model which focused on the process of change to provide structure for intervention of specific health behaviors such as physical activity. This model has five stages of change: precontemplation; contemplation; preparation; action and maintenance. In the precontemplation stage, a person has no desire to change in the future. The second stage involves a person knowing a health behavior problem exists and are considering change. With the preparation stage an individual has the intention of taking action to change the behavior. The fourth stage modifies the behavior to overcome the problem and the maintenance stage involves reflection of an individual’s accomplishments and strives to prevent relapse. “The stages of change model have shown promise in advancing knowledge about exercise behavior adherence.” (Cropley, Ayers & Nokes, 2003) The article concluded that individuals in the pre-contemplation stage do not take part in exercise because they cannot think of a reason to exercise and that is not the only reason our lives have become more sedentary.
A study was done on students’ technology use and the effects it had on psychosocial development, including healthy lifestyles.
A survey was conducted about various questions relating to screen time. It was divided into three subtasks; peer relationships, educational involvement, and salubrious lifestyle. Salubrious lifestyle “measures the degree to which a student’s lifestyle is consistent with or promotes good health and wellness practices.” (Lloyd, Dean & Cooper, 2009) The study concluded that high level use of technology had a negative impact on overall healthy lifestyle, and with more screen time a student has, the less physically active they
are.
“Men’s Health and Fitness Magazine” published an article on the amount of sedentary time spent at work and how it can be amended to include more active habits. Masters, Senior Editor for Hearst Magazines, argues that even if you lead an active lifestyle you still may be spending too much time sitting. Over the years, job roles have shifted to less laborious activities leading to more time spent sitting down. The body will adapt to the activity that it does most frequently. Masters (2010) explains “that makes you less adept at sitting standing, walking, running, and jumping, all of which a truly healthy human being should be able to do with proficiency.” The best way to combat poor posture and immobility is to get moving. If you have a desk job then it is imperative to get up and walk around, stretch and take frequent breaks.
A sedentary lifestyle comes with the risk of developing preventable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. The article “Daily Sedentary Time and Cardiovascular Disease” focuses on the amount of time spent sitting and how it correlates to cardiovascular disease. It explains that the modern lifestyle is spent with levels of low physical activity and an increase in time spent sedentary. It discusses that extensive sitting can lead to premature death, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. It also studied the amount of time spent sitting during a typical weekday. Data was calculated using questions to determine how much time is spent sitting in a day. Level of education, working status, and leisure activities were also incorporated into the data. The study yielded results that included the more time spent sitting, the higher the risk for developing cardiovascular disease.