PSY111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Genetic Predisposition, Cirrhosis, Sleep Apnea
STAGES OF CHANGE
Outlines five stages of change:
1. Precontemplation. People in this stage are not even considering changing their behaviour in
the near future. They may also be unaware that a problem exists.
2. Contemplation. At this stage, people are aware that a problem exists and are considering
taking action soon but are not yet committed to that action.
3. Preparation. During this stage, people are preparing to make behavioural change in the next
month or so and are making small changes already that will help them achieve their goal.
4. Action. This stage usually lasts approximately six months and is when people are actively
working on behavioural change.
5. Maintenance. People in this stage have achieved their desired behaviour change and are
working to maintain this.
HEALTH COMPROMISING BEHAVIOURS
Obesity
› an excessive accumulation of body fat (in
excess of 30% in women and 20% in men)
Consequences:
‒ Health Problems: e.g. diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnoea, some cancers, gallstones
‒ Increased Mortality Rate: A BMI of 30 increases the risk of mortality by 30%
‒ Psychological Problems: low self-esteem, stimatisation, depression, suicidal ideation
SMOKING
Genetic susceptibility to drug addiction
› Fast metabolisers of nicotine are less likely to experience smoking as aversive
Peer pressure during adolescence
› Self-presentation (image)
Rewarding properties of smoking:
e.g. relaxation, reduced anxiety, reduced pain sensitivity, improved mental acuity
Prevention: Education programs, high taxes
‘Quit’ Campaign
Pharmacological treatments
› Nicotine patches, gum, inhaler
Behavioural therapy
Hypnosis
Social Support
Alcohol Abuse
Document Summary
People in this stage are not even considering changing their behaviour in the near future. They may also be unaware that a problem exists: contemplation. At this stage, people are aware that a problem exists and are considering taking action soon but are not yet committed to that action: preparation. During this stage, people are preparing to make behavioural change in the next month or so and are making small changes already that will help them achieve their goal: action. This stage usually lasts approximately six months and is when people are actively working on behavioural change: maintenance. People in this stage have achieved their desired behaviour change and are working to maintain this. An excessive accumulation of body fat (in excess of 30% in women and 20% in men) Health problems: e. g. diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnoea, some cancers, gallstones. Increased mortality rate: a bmi of 30 increases the risk of mortality by 30%
