摘要：The main goal of this study was to apply a transtheoretical model in studying the process of change in obese persons. According to the transtheoretical model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983), health behavior change involves graduating through stages of readiness: from precontemplation through contemplation and action to maintenance. The psychometric properties of The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (McConnaughy, DiClemente, Prochaska & Velicer, 1989), the Decisional Balance Inventory and Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire (Rossi, Rossi, Velicer &Prochaska, 1995) were determined. Two hundred and seventy nine participants took part in the study, 97 male and 182 female persons. Factor and reliability analyses were performed. Using a confirmatory factor analysis, the structure of The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale was examined. A four-factor structure was confirmed despite relatively high correlation coefficients between scores on contemplation, action and maintenance scales. These results are similar to the results of other studies and consistent with the transtheoretical model. The results have shown that this scale could be used as a four factor measure and as a continuous measure of readiness for change depending on the treatment aim. Knowing the stage at which an individual is, could lead a clinician into deciding about the nature and time needed for therapeutic intervention, into a better understanding of the problem and into facilitating research in the field of readiness for change in overweight and obese persons.
关键词：obesity; transtheoretical model; decisional process; perceived self efficacy of weight control
