The Multi-Theory Model of health behavior change (multi-theory model, MTM) is a behavioral theory model constructed in recent years, first proposed by Sharma in 2015. This theory divides health behavior change into behavior initiation and behavior maintenance.
Initiation of Health Behavior Change involves transitioning from one behavior to another, referring to one-time behavior change (such as starting to engage in physical exercise). When initiating behavior change, individuals should perceive that the benefits of the behavior change outweigh the drawbacks, possess confidence in the behavior, and receive support from the physical environment.
Maintenance of Health Behavior Change involves the long-term performance of behavior change (such as lifelong participation in physical exercise). To maintain behavior change, one needs to transform emotions into goals and continually strive for change, while also requiring support from the social environment.
Under the guidance of MTM, Brown and others intervened in the fruit and vegetable intake of African American women. Through large group discussions, quizzes, and photo dubbing, they promoted participatory dialogue; they cultivated behavioral confidence through role-playing and cooking demonstrations; and by providing participants with fruits and vegetables, they facilitated changes in the physical environment.Emotional transformation was developed through psychodrama; behavior change practices were established through social media and diaries; and changes in the social environment were developed through social support.
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[2] Zhang Wei, Jin Ying, Xu Ping et al. Research progress on the application of multi-theory model in health management [J]. Chinese Nursing Journal, 2022, 57(15): 1893-1898.
[3] Brown L, Sharma M, Leggett S, et al. Efficacy testing of the SAVOR (Sisters Adding Fruits and Vegetables for Optimal Results) intervention among African American women: a randomized controlled trial [J]. Health Promot Perspect, 2020, 10(3): 270-280.