When the history of modern psychology is written, James Prochaska‘s name will top the list of those who shaped how we think about change itself, especially how we change the unhealthy behaviors of large populations. The URI professor of clinical and health psychology did this as co-creator of the Transtheoretical Model of Change, a framework that identifies stages of behavior change that help us quit smoking, eat healthier, exercise regularly, and otherwise improve our lives.
Considered to be one of the top five “thought leaders” and one of the most cited scientists in the world, Prochaska has received numerous highly coveted awards including being named a 2011 honorary fellow by the Society for Public Health Education—along with First Lady Michelle Obama.
His ongoing commitment to the research, discovery, and teaching of innovative approaches to the major killers of our time relates directly to his students.
His ongoing commitment to helping us live healthier lives is passed on to his students. When he received the Education’s Healthtrac Foundation’s Elizabeth Ann Fries Health Education Prize in 2006, the professor donated $20,000 from the award to support URI graduate student research, travel, and more. “While I received this award, I feel these students are part of the next generation focusing on health promotion. They are our future behavior-change researchers and psychologists.”
A professor at the University since 1969, author of hundreds of publications, and three books, Prochaska is the principal investigator on millions in research grants for the prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases resulting from unhealthy behaviors. His research saves money — but more importantly, it saves lives.
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