Stages of Change

The Stages of Change were developed as a result of research that was done at the University of Rhode Island in the early 1980s. We now understand that the change process can be characterized by a series of stages that may take hours or years.

• Precontemplation: The person is unaware that there is a problem and has no intention of changing. The problem is externalized, i.e. too much stress, it’s the school, it’s the job, etc. the person’s behavior stays the same.

• Contemplation: The person is aware that there is a problem but has not made a decision to change. There is ambivalence because there is still some perceived benefit to the ineffective behavior. The person’s behavior stays the same.

• Preparation: The person has made a decision and commitment to change and begins to try on new behaviors that are healthy and effective, i.e., taking medication or going to self help meetings.

• Action: The stage in which people modify their behavior, experiences or environment in order to overcome their problems. Action involves the most overt behavioral changes and requires considerable commitment of time and energy.

• Maintenance: The stage in which people work to prevent relapse, gain new skills and to maintain the progress made during the action stage.