In the Stages of Change model, which stage involves awareness of the need to change but without committing to taking action?

• A. Precontemplation
• B. Action
• C. Contemplation
• D. Maintenance

Answer: (C)

This item tests understanding of readiness for change in the Transtheoretical Model. In this model, awareness of the need to change without committing to action describes the Contemplation stage. Here, a person recognizes a problem and thinks about making a change, but hasn’t yet set a plan or taken steps toward that change. They often weigh the benefits and costs and may delay taking action because of ambivalence. For example, someone might think, “I should quit smoking,” and consider it seriously, but they’re not ready to set a quit date or start reducing cigarettes.

In contrast, entering the Precontemplation stage means not yet acknowledging a need to change; Action means actively making changes; Maintenance means sustaining the change over time.