The Seven-Step Model (7SM): An Alternative Health Behavior Change Model for the General Public

Abstract

The major causes of death in the world are heart attack, stroke, and cancer. The main contributing factors for chronic diseases complications are unhealthy behaviors; so, health behavior change has become imperative in the world today. There are several models and theories for health behavior change. They are, however, far from public reach because they are not easy for people to understand and apply in their daily lives. The seven-step model (7SM) is the result of integrating key constructs from different theories and models and putting them in a way that the public may understand and apply. The model has seven steps that individuals, families, and small groups can use to change behavior, and three more tools for maintenance. An exploratory study done in the Philippines and Peru with graduate students from 30 different countries shows the potential of the 7SM in changing different unhealthy behaviors and installing new healthy behaviors.