Name a behavior change model commonly applied in fire and life safety education and one key concept from it.

• A. The Health Belief Model; cue to action
• B. Social Cognitive Theory; self-efficacy
• C. Theory of Planned Behavior; subjective norms
• D. The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change); key concept: readiness to change (stages from precontemplation to maintenance)

Answer: (D)

Understanding how people change their fire and life safety habits is about recognizing that change happens in stages, not just in a single moment. The Transtheoretical Model, also known as Stages of Change, centers on readiness to change and describes a progression from precontemplation to contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. This stage-based view lets educators tailor messages and activities to where someone is in that journey, making it easier to move them toward actual safety actions. For example, someone unaware of a risk might need awareness-raising, while someone ready to act benefits from concrete steps and supports like practice drills or setting up detectors.

Other models focus on different mechanisms. The Health Belief Model emphasizes beliefs about risk, benefits, and barriers and cues to action but doesn't outline a step-by-step change process. Social Cognitive Theory highlights self-efficacy and learning from others, while the Theory of Planned Behavior centers on attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived control. These are valuable, but they don’t provide the same structured path through stages of readiness that the Transtheoretical Model offers.