Theory of Change
Theory of Change
I view humans as basically good creatures. We seem to be “hard-wired” at once toward both socialization and independence. We strive toward self-actualization and want to make our positions better. However, we also often have the desire to make life better for our fellow humans. Since we need to get our basic needs met, we strive toward hard work and the accomplishment of goals. Although I have training with behaviorism, I have a difficult time seeing a human as a simple “plant” that operationalizes input stimuli and output responses. In my view, we are so much more than that. Humans have a deep and pervasive spiritual component. We have the ability to feel love, compassion, and empathy toward each other. I see humans as strong and independent while at the same time fragile and dependent. Perhaps because of our immense potential for caring and sensitivity, humans can become ensnared in emotional baggage that can lead to pain and disappointment. These very same predilections can make it extremely difficult for people to change. Especially when our behaviors are seen as comforting and helpful or are supported by external forces, it can become extremely difficult to shape and change behavior.
It may also be helpful to view the change process as part of a continuum. For example, research on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (Prochaska, Wright, & Velicer, 2008) suggests that certain “building blocks” must be in place before actual, tangible change can occur. According to this theory, people go through several stages when working toward behavior change, and each stage is marked by specific cognitive processes. The first stage is called the precontemplative stage, and persons in this stage do not see a need to change, nor do they plan to change. In the next stage, the contemplation stage, the person is “getting ready” to begin changing and plans to begin change. The next stage, the preparation stage, sees individuals
I view humans as basically good creatures. We seem to be “hard-wired” at once toward both socialization and independence. We strive toward self-actualization and want to make our positions better. However, we also often have the desire to make life better for our fellow humans. Since we need to get our basic needs met, we strive toward hard work and the accomplishment of goals. Although I have training with behaviorism, I have a difficult time seeing a human as a simple “plant” that operationalizes input stimuli and output responses. In my view, we are so much more than that. Humans have a deep and pervasive spiritual component. We have the ability to feel love, compassion, and empathy toward each other. I see humans as strong and independent while at the same time fragile and dependent. Perhaps because of our immense potential for caring and sensitivity, humans can become ensnared in emotional baggage that can lead to pain and disappointment. These very same predilections can make it extremely difficult for people to change. Especially when our behaviors are seen as comforting and helpful or are supported by external forces, it can become extremely difficult to shape and change behavior.
It may also be helpful to view the change process as part of a continuum. For example, research on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (Prochaska, Wright, & Velicer, 2008) suggests that certain “building blocks” must be in place before actual, tangible change can occur. According to this theory, people go through several stages when working toward behavior change, and each stage is marked by specific cognitive processes. The first stage is called the precontemplative stage, and persons in this stage do not see a need to change, nor do they plan to change. In the next stage, the contemplation stage, the person is “getting ready” to begin changing and plans to begin change. The next stage, the preparation stage, sees individuals