Application of Transtheoretical (Stages of Change) Model in Studying Attitudes and Behaviors of Adults with Hearing Loss: A Descriptive Review

Background:Health Behavior Change (HBC) refers to facilitating changes to habits and/or behaviors related to health. There are a number of models/theories of HBC, which provide a structured framework to better understand the HBCs of individuals. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM, aka “the Stages of Change” model) is an integrative model used to conceptualize the process of intentional behavior change and is applied to a variety of behaviors, populations, and settings. In the last few years, use of TTM by the profession of audiology has been increasing.Purpose:This descriptive literature review was aimed at identifying and presenting a summary of research studies, which use TTM to study the attitudes and behaviors of adults with hearing loss.Research Design:A literature review was conducted.Study Sample:This review included 13 empirical studies.Data Collection and Analysis:A literature review was conducted using the EBSCOhost and included the databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO.Results:The review suggests TTM is useful in studying the attitudes and behaviors of adults with hearing loss. There are positive associations between stages of change and help-seeking, intervention uptake, and hearing rehabilitation outcome (i.e., benefit and satisfaction). However, associations with intervention decisions and intervention use were not evident. It appears help-seeking, intervention uptake, and successful outcomes are usually displayed in people in the later stages of change as those with greater hearing loss are often in the later stages of change.Conclusions:Understanding the readiness toward help-seeking and uptake of intervention in people with hearing loss based on TTM may help clinicians develop more focused management strategies. However, additional longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to further test the predictive validity of the stages of change model.