Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

The Behaviour Change Process

In this activity, you will:

 Discuss ways that behaviour patterns can be changed

Facilitator’s notes:

Behaviour change is a process. It is composed of stages an individual goes through in order to change

a particular behaviour pattern, as outlined below. An important point in behaviour change occurs

when a person’s intentions are translated into actions. However, it is not enough to have information,

good intentions and strength of will to make changes happen. Behaviour change is often more

permanent and sustainable when someone is encouraged to take small actions and to uphold these,

than if they try radical changes that are too difficult to abide by.

Steps to Behaviour Change

Step I - Knowledge and awareness of his or her behaviour

The person whose behaviour needs to be changed must become aware of the reasons that

this behaviour is negative. He or she needs to receive information about, for example, the

dangers and the consequences of the behaviour. Once an individual has got that information,

then he or she has a choice to begin a journey to change his or her behaviour, or not.

Step 2 - Significance to self to change behaviour

Someone who is in the process of behaviour change will have to understand the significance

of the behaviour change to him or herself. For example, it is not enough for a person to know

that unprotected sex can lead to HIV infection. He or she must apply this knowledge to his or

her own situation. In this way, he or she will understand on a personal level that it is important

for him or her to change certain behaviours. Once the person realises this, then he or she is in

the process of behaviour change.

Step 3 - Analysing the costs and benefits of behaviour change

An individual who is willing to change must understand the costs and benefits of change.

For example, a young person who wants to stop smoking will realise that the cost of stopping

is losing a pleasure, but the benefit of stopping is saved money, better health and a longer life.

Once it is clear that the benefits of stopping far outweigh the costs, the individual will be ready

to change his or her behaviour.

Step 4 - Provisional trying of new behaviour

This is when the new behaviour is tried out in a risky situation. For example, using a condom

with a reluctant partner; or deciding not to smoke when all of one’s peers are still smoking

and risking their disapproval.

Step 5 - Complete behaviour change

This is the step in which the provisional behaviour change becomes permanent.

Activity 3

(^272) Unit 2, Module 4 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children