In the stages of change model, which stage describes the person not yet thinking about changing their behavior?

In the stages of change model, which stage describes the person not yet thinking about changing their behavior?

• A. Precontemplation
• B. Contemplation
• C. Determination/Commitment to Action
• D. Action

Answer: (A)

In this model, the stage where a person isn’t considering changing their behavior at all is precontemplation. At this point there’s no intention to change in the foreseeable future; the person may be unaware of the problem, underplay its consequences, or resist the idea of changing. The shift happens when someone moves into contemplation, where they start thinking about change and weighing the pros and cons. From there, preparation or determination involves planning to act soon, followed by action, where the new behaviors are actually carried out, and maintenance, where the change is sustained over time.

In this model, the stage where a person isn’t considering changing their behavior at all is precontemplation. At this point there’s no intention to change in the foreseeable future; the person may be unaware of the problem, underplay its consequences, or resist the idea of changing. The shift happens when someone moves into contemplation, where they start thinking about change and weighing the pros and cons. From there, preparation or determination involves planning to act soon, followed by action, where the new behaviors are actually carried out, and maintenance, where the change is sustained over time.