The Transtheoretical Model Stages of Change - Research Proposal Example

Precontemplation stageAt this stage victims of marijuana abuse are not considered to be thinking about any intentions to change the behaviour at hand. In fact, Transtheoretical Model recognizes this as the primary stage in the behavioral change journey.

Once one is aware of where the victim stands, it becomes easier to decide on what to do in order to have an effective intervention. For example, this stage is important because it indicates that victims do not have facts about the risks associated with their behaviour (DiClemente, 2004). Therefore, this stage becomes crucial in that it helps to first enlighten the victims of the risks they put themselves into. This lays a foundation of the next stage: contemplation stage.Contemplation stage After the victim has been made to realize about the risks involved in marijuana abuse and have clearly understood the pros and cons of their behavior, an action plan is developed.

Action stageThis can be termed as the mark of the beginning of the actual behavior change by the victim (Fertman & Allensworth, 2010). In fact, relapse is employed at this stage. This stage stipulates that if the behavior change turns out to be a challenge, relapse back is more likely especially right from the contemplation stage. Maintenance stageAfter victims have successfully attained changed their behaviors, there is a need to continue evaluating on their past experiences with the behavior and continue focusing on the need to maintain behavior change.

Conceptual frameworkIndependent variables Independent variable RationalThis study will help to identify variables and treatments that are effective for adolescent marijuana users. Specifically such information will allow us to develop targeted interventions to address cognitive, emotional and behavior needs. Such programs and interventions can be integrated within the existing Department of Education structure making it more practical and feasible.

In additional, these interventions will not only be used to address issues related to marijuana use only, but also help in addressing other substance use problem. Basically, although the effects of marijuana abuse are largely taken to represent behavioral needs, it is apparent that the proposed interventions will focus on addressing other needs including cognitive and emotional needs. Apparently, apart from the intrigues of the marijuana use in high school, there are other serious cases that affect students’ behavior and education performance.

This relates to psychological and mental disorders, which are associated with peer pressure and other psychological factors connected with their socioeconomic factors. In this regard, the intervention programs to be developed can be applied in other areas that require behavioral change intervention.