Stages of Behavior Change: Sample Scenarios

Using the print-optimized “Stages of Change” handout, present several scenarios and ask staff to identify which stage of behavior change the person described is in and what strategies could be used to encourage continued change.

Sample scenarios:

• A 16-year-old girl has been diagnosed with chlamydia. Her boyfriend of two months does not use condoms. She knows nothing about chlamydia or other STIs and has never thought of herself as being at risk.

What stage of behavior change is she in? (Answer: pre-contemplation)

• A 34-year-old man has been diagnosed with syphilis. He has had several STIs and has begun to consider that perhaps his behavior is putting him at risk.
  
  What stage of behavior change is he in? (Answer: contemplation)

• A 28-year-old sex worker tests positive for syphilis. She has had other STIs. Her clients don’t like to use condoms, and she is afraid she will lose business if she insists that they do.

What stage of behavior change is she in? (Answer: pre-contemplation)