The Behaviour Change Process
Handout 2 - Module 4 Topic 3Steps 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.(^338) Appendix 1, Handouts Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children