Evidence for Discontinuity Patterns Across the Stages of Change: A Role for Attitudinal Ambivalence

Authors: Armitage C.J.¹; Povey R.²; Arden M.A.³

Source: Psychology and Health, Volume 18, Number 3, June 2003 , pp. 373-386(14)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Cross-sectional analyses of the transtheoretical ("stages of change") model (TTM) can provide valuable information concerning the variables that are likely to shift individuals from one stage to the next. The present study was designed to investigate the roles of theory of planned behaviour (TPB) variables and attitudinal ambivalence across the stages of change. Two samples derived from the general population completed measures of stage, TPB and attitudinal ambivalence with respect to consuming a low-fat diet (n = 148) and eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day (n = 151). Consistent with previous research, the present study found linear increases in TPB variables across the stages of change. However, as predicted, attitudinal ambivalence showed discontinuity patterns, displaying a quadratic relationship with the stages of change, such that least ambivalence was experienced in the precontemplation and maintenance stages. Discussion of the findings focuses on implications for the development of theory-driven interventions.

Keywords: Theory of planned behaviour; Discontinuity patterns; Transtheoretical model

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0887044031000066553

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Research in Social Attitudes Department of Psychology University of Sheffield Western Bank S10 2TP Sheffield 2: Centre for Health Psychology School of Sciences Staffordshire University College Road ST4 2DE Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire 3: Centre for Research in Human Behaviour School of Social Science and Law Sheffield Hallam University Collegiate Crescent Campus S10 2BP Sheffield

Publication date: 2003-06-01