The Psychology of Change

As the Halloween season ends and we travel deeper into fall, we’re reminded that change happens as naturally as the seasons–and their ever-shifting holiday decorations! While Halloween offers a single night of fun jump-scares, the idea of change can feel like a year-round haunted house. Some people run toward the thrill of the unexpected, while others would rather pull the covers over their heads, trembling at the unknown.

The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM)

Though in no way Halloween-themed, the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TTM), developed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1992), provides insight into how people make changes through distinct phases—each with its own tasks and challenges (Prochaska & DiClemente, 2005).

TTM Phases:

1. Pre-contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance

A key takeaway: family members, coworkers and team members will all be in different phases of change, facing unique challenges. Rather than viewing families as “resistant” or “refusing,” validate that they are right where they should be in their transformation. It’s natural to have reservations, hesitation, and even to move back and forth through the phases of change. Growth is rarely linear.

Change often feels easiest for the person asking for it—and hardest for the person being asked to make it, especially when they don’t fully understand why it’s happening. How we personally feel about change shapes how we expect others to handle it. In Wraparound work, we must show up ready for both enthusiasm and hesitation, using what we know about the psychology of change to meet families where they are.

The Power of Language

As Wraparound providers, you already know that language matters. You work hard to ensure plans are written in family-friendly, accessible language and that acronyms or jargon don’t become barriers. But did you know that language also affects how we feel about change?

Simply reframing “refusing” or “resistant” to “hesitant” or “unable” can shift perspective and reduce judgment. Instead of seeing a family as “difficult” or “never going to,” we can reframe the situation as “possible” and focus on what supports are needed. You can also help families reshape how they talk about change by exploring the language they use to describe it.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets

Another way we can “psych” ourselves out is through how we view our ability to adapt. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006) distinguishes between fixed and growth mindsets.

• Those with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are static and unchangeable, leading to fear of failure and avoidance of challenges.
• Those with a growth mindset believe they can improve through effort and persistence, viewing challenges as opportunities.

If you notice the “little monster” of a fixed mindset appearing within a family—or within your team or self—try easing the fear through the Strength-Based Reframe Challenge.

Adjusting Expectations for Change

In Wraparound, frustration can arise when progress feels slow or uneven. This can create an “us versus them” divide between staff and families. When that happens, take a step back and reflect:

1. What is the youth or family experiencing during this change?
2. Are we labeling them “resistant” instead of acknowledging fear or hesitation?
3. Do other needs need to be met first?
4. Is this change driven by our needs or the family’s needs?
5. How—and by whom—is the family being supported through this change?
6. What’s the plan to sustain the change?

Change doesn’t have to feel like watching a scary movie; it can be more like trick-or-treating with family and friends. As Wraparound providers, you bring the flashlight that helps families see past fear and uncertainty, guiding them toward growth, resilience and hope. By reframing language, honoring each person’s pace and embracing a growth mindset, we can take the trick out of change and help families discover the sweet rewards waiting on the other side.

References

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (2005). The transtheoretical approach. In J. C. Norcross & M. R. Goldfield (Eds.). Handbook of Psychotherapy Integration (pp. 147-170). Oxford University Press.

Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1992). In search of how people change: Applications to addictive behaviors. American Psychologist, 47, 1102-1114.

Recommended Reading for more Psychology of Change

• Who Moved My Cheese? – Spencer Johnson
• Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard – Chip Heath & Dan Heath
• Atomic Habits – James Clear
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck
• Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control – Albert Bandura
• The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris
• Altered Traits – Daniel Goleman & Richard J. Davidson
• Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman