The transtheoretical model
| Stage of change (Prochaska and Velicer26) | Suggested correlation to our categories of description | |
| Precontemplation | Not aware of the problem; not interested in taking action; tend to avoid reading, talking or thinking about their high-risk behaviours | Category A |
| Contemplation | Have intentions to change, know the pros but are much aware of the cons | Categories B and C |
| Preparation | Have intentions to act in the near future, have taken some action and have plans for how to change | |
| Action | Act to a degree to reduce risk | Category D |
| Maintenance | Try to keep the new behaviour and avoid relapses | Category E |
According to the model, behaviour change is a process involving five stages. Previous theories described behavioural change as an event. The right column shows our suggestion of best correlation between identified perceptions and stages of change. Note that perceptions and stages include different aspects and cannot be totally correlated.