What is a key characteristic of the Transtheoretical Model?

The key characteristic of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is that it emphasizes the cyclical nature of change, which reflects how individuals may move back and forth between different stages of behavior change rather than progressing in a linear fashion. This cyclical progression acknowledges that individuals may relapse into previous stages before making a more stable commitment to change, illustrating that behavior change is often not a straightforward process. Understanding this aspect of the model can help practitioners apply appropriate interventions at different stages of readiness and reinforce that lapses do not signify failure but rather are a natural part of the journey toward lasting behavioral change.