Analyzing the transtheoretical model using the framework of Weinstein, Rothman, and Sutton (1998): the example of smoking cessation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the transtheoretical model applied to smoking cessation using the framework of N. D. Weinstein, A. J. Rothman, and S. R. Sutton (1998), which is the general framework for designing and evaluating stage models of health behavior.


METHODS
Systematic review.


CONCLUSIONS
The transtheoretical model applied to smoking cessation does not satisfy the criteria required of a valid stage model. Most significantly, the evidence indicates that the stages of change are not qualitatively distinct categories.
Herzog
Thaddeus A
TA
Department of Community Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA. therzog@hsc.wvu.edu
D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention