Longitudinal relationships among transtheoretical model constructs for smokers in the precontemplation and contemplation stages of change.
BACKGROUND
This study examined the pattern, direction, and magnitude of longitudinal relationships among the constructs involved in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM).


OBJECTIVE
The goal was to explore within-TTM relationships to create an integrated structural model that adequately represents the change process.


METHODS
Data were collected as part of a representative general adult population study in Germany. A total of 688 smokers in the precontemplation and contemplation stages of change were assessed two times, 6 months apart, with respect to the TTM constructs. Structural equation modeling was used and a step approach was employed to evaluate the relationships between cognitive-affective processes, behavioral processes, the pros and cons of smoking, and self-efficacy, stratified for baseline stage of change.


RESULTS
The model-building process resulted in two final structural equation models detailing longitudinal TTM relationships for precontemplation and contemplation. A structural invariance test showed that the precontemplation model also held for the contemplation sample and visa versa.


CONCLUSIONS
The TTM constructs can be integrated in a longitudinal structural model. The findings provide empirical support for specific relationships that are posited in the TTM framework. However, differing relationships between TTM constructs for precontemplation and contemplation could not be established.
Schumann
Anja
A
Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Germany. schumann@uni-greifswald.de
Kohlmann
Thomas
T
Rumpf
Hans-Jürgen
HJ
Hapke
Ulfert
U
John
Ulrich
U
Meyer
Christian
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009042:Motivation; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*