Stages of Change

The stages of change model is as follows:

• Precontemplation (Not Ready) – People are not intending to take action in the foreseeable future, and can be unaware that their behaviour is problematic. Some people leave this stage out of the actual change model since there is no possibility of change while in this state.
• Contemplation (Getting Ready) – People are beginning to recognize that their behaviour 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 behaviour change
• Action – People have made specific overt modifications in modifying their problem behaviour or in acquiring new healthy behaviour.
• Maintenance – “People have been able to sustain action for at least six months and are working to prevent relapse.”

Of course, there is also Relapse – were individuals digress one or more steps.  They can even go to precontemplation, giving up on the change all together.