The Stages of Change model includes which stages?

• A. Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance.
• B. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Action, and Relapse.
• C. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, and Action.
• D. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance (Relapse noted).

Answer: (D)

The Stages of Change describe a person’s path from not even considering change to maintaining the new behavior over time. The five stages are Precontemplation (not ready to change), Contemplation (thinking about change), Preparation (getting ready to change), Action (actively changing), and Maintenance (sustaining the change). Relapse is not a separate stage, but it’s a common experience that can send someone back to an earlier stage or restart the cycle. An option that includes all five stages and notes the possibility of relapse best aligns with how the model is understood, recognizing both the full progression and the real-world tendency to cycle back into earlier stages when difficulties arise.