1. Stages of Change

2. Five Stages of Behavioral Change Pre-Contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Relapse

9. 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!”

10. References:
AddictionInfo (2014). The Stages of Change. Retrieved September 28, from 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, from Model/Page1.html
Schull, C (2012). The Stages of Change. NitroFit PT – Bodyshaping Studio: #NitroGirl Headquarters. Retrieved September 28, 2014 from