Stages of Change

Five Stages of Behavioral Change

Pre-Contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance

Pre-Contemplation

• There is no serious thought about change or seeking help to get started.

• They defend their current habit and do not feel it is a problem.

• There is very little openness to receiving help from other people.

Contemplation

• There is an awareness of the problem and the consequences that are attached to it.

• Change is considered, but they are not serious about taking the steps to start.

• Pros and cons are weighed to see if long-term benefits outweigh short-term costs.

• This stage may last for weeks or for a lifetime.

• There is more openness to receiving information regarding the problem.

• Many are not sure where to start.

Preparation/Determination

• A commitment has been made to make a change.

• Information is gathered to facilitate the change.• Statements of “I’ve got to do something about this” or “something

has got to change” are made.

• Actively contacting various resources such as clinics, counselors, support groups.

• This is an important step to move into Action stage!

Action/Willpower

• There is a belief in the ability to change the behavior, with a possible dependence on willpower.

• They are actively taking steps to change the behavior using a variety of different resources.

• Shortest stage, duration may be one hour to six months.

• The key is to be open to support, encouragement, and accountability.

Maintenance

• They are actively maintaining the new healthy behaviors.

• There is an acquiring of new skills to deal with life and avoid slipping back into old habits.

• Enough skills have been gained to anticipate situations that could cause relapse and prepare coping strategies in advance.

• There is an awareness that the goal is worthwhile and meaningful.

• They are patient with themselves as they develop new healthy habits.

• They resist temptation to return to old behaviors and patterns.

Relapse

Transcendence

• This is the point where maintenance has been maintained long enough that a person can work with their emotions and understand their behavior. The “new life” is such a part of them that the thought of going back seems foreign and weird. In one word, “freedom!”

References:

•AddictionInfo (2014). The Stages of Change. Retrieved September 28, 2014 from http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/11/1/Stages-of-Change-Model/Page1.html

•Scott, C. M.D. (2014). Stages of Change Model. Optimal Stress: Living in your best stress zone. Wiley Publishing. Retrieved September 28, 2014 from http://www.addictioninfo.org/articles/11/1/Stages-of-Change-Model/Page1.html

•Schull, C (2012). The Stages of Change. NitroFit PT – Bodyshaping Studio: #NitroGirl Headquarters. Retrieved September 28, 2014 from http://nitrofitpt.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/the-stages-of-change/