Stages of Change

This construct refers to the temporal dimension of behavioral change. In the transtheoretical model, change is a process involving progress through a series of stages:

Precontemplation ("not ready") – People are not intending to take action in the foreseeable future, and can be unaware that their behavior is problematic.

Contemplation ("getting ready") – People are beginning to recognize that their behavior is problematic, and start to look at the pros and cons of their continued actions.

Preparation ("ready") – People are intending to take action in the immediate future, and may begin taking small steps toward behavior change.

Action – People have made specific overt modifications in modifying their problem behavior or in acquiring new healthy behaviors.

Maintenance – People have been able to sustain action for at least six months and are working to prevent relapse.

Termination – Individuals have zero temptation and they are sure they will not return to their old unhealthy habit as a way of coping.