Failed Transtheoretical Model Application: Hyperactivity in Children

This assignment explores the limitations of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) when applied to address hyperactivity in children. The paper argues that the TTM, which focuses on stages of change, is unsuitable for this population due to children's lack of awareness of their condition, the complex underlying causes of hyperactivity (such as anxiety or ADHD), and the model's focus on risk reduction rather than addressing the root causes. The precontemplation stage, a key aspect of TTM, is ineffective because children often do not recognize the need for change. The assignment highlights the model's inability to diagnose underlying issues and the poor retention degree of the model when applied to the health behavior of hyperactivity, leading to its potential failure in this context. References to relevant research are included to support the analysis.

Running head: HEALTH BEHAVIOURS
HEALTH BEHAVIOURS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1HEALTH BEHAVIOURS
Failed attempts of the Transtheoretical Model for hyperactivity in children
The selected health behaviour for understanding the failed application of the
transtheoretical model is hyperactivity is children. Hyperactivity in children is very common
in children and can be often mistaken for overactive childhood. The assumption of children to
be active and impatient all the time may result in the unnoticed health behaviour of
hyperactivity. Hyperactivity reflects the state of behaving unusually active, which portrays
challenges amongst parents and parental figures to manage their activities. Hyperactivity may
result in anxiety and even leads to early depression. Hyperactivity may also lead to a
disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Pham, 2016). Under these
circumstances, the transtheoretical model cannot be applied due to its high potential for
failure. The transtheoretical model reflects unclear or unpredictable applicability amongst the
population group of children. The transtheoretical model focuses on the reduction of the risks
caused rather than decreasing the causes of health behaviour, which can be originating from
anxiety, mental distress lack of sleep and during the time of hitting puberty (Friman, Huck &
Olsson, 2017). The transtheoretical model could not diagnose these causes.
Moreover, children are unaware of these symptoms and certainly are unaware of the
causes leading to the health behaviour of hyperactivity. The precontemplation stage depicts
the behaviour that does not involve any intention of changing the health behavioural
symptoms. In the selected health behaviour and population group, children cannot understand
the causes and reasons behind hyperactivity, which nullify the presence of any intention of
changing the present state.
Furthermore, the poor retention degree for the applicability will not present potential
solutions for responding to this specific health behaviour in children.

2HEALTH BEHAVIOURS
References:
Friman, M., Huck, J., & Olsson, L. E. (2017). Transtheoretical model of change during travel
behavior interventions: An integrative review. International journal of environmental
research and public health, 14(6), 581.
Pham, A. V. (2016). Differentiating behavioral ratings of inattention, impulsivity, and
hyperactivity in children: effects on reading achievement. Journal of attention
disorders, 20(8), 674-683.