Behaviour Change

What is behaviour change?

Behaviour change is exactly what it sounds like: the practice of changing people's behaviour. Behaviour change models and theories often describe a step-series in a range of numbers to achieve changed behaviour. These models can be applied across a variety of sectors and problem behaviours, for example; quitting smoking, beginning recycling and increasing productivity, to name a few.

What are the six stages of behaviour change?

1. Precontemplation - during this stage people are not considering change. People in this stage are often described as "in denial"
2. Contemplation - people become aware of the benefits of the change but the costs tend to stand out more. This conflict creates uncertainty about changing
3. Preparation - during this stage, you might make small changes to prepare for a larger change
4. Action - direct action toward a goal
5. Maintenance - involves successfully avoiding former behaviours and keeping up new behaviours
6. Relapse - going back to old behaviour

How does this link to this group's main objective?

Objective: Support local people to enhance environmentally friendly behaviours and actions that result in outcomes that benefit individuals and communities.