Question
What are the five stages of change?
Answer
There are five different stages of change:
- Pre-contemplation. In the pre-contemplation stage, there is no intent to change behavior. The person is unaware or under-aware of any problems. They're perfectly content with where they are. Our goal is to help them see that there's a problem, remembering that we must be sensitive and approach the situation with care.
- Contemplation. The person is aware of the problem, and seriously considering a change, but they have made no commitment to take action. The goal is to raise awareness of the problem by observation of behavior.
- Preparation. The person intends to change and makes small behavioral changes. The goal is to encourage these steps and support the change process.
- Action. In the action stage, the person chooses to take decisive action to change. The goal here is to make an action plan, give suggestions, reinforce changes, and provide support and guidance.
- Maintenance. In the maintenance phase, we're working to prevent relapse and consolidate gains. We don't want to slide backward. We're going to continually reevaluate so we don't go back to where we were.
These stages of change apply to everyone, not just children. It is difficult for any of us to change one small habit. Think about how difficult it is to change a major habit or behavior.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It (Family-Centered Practice & Teaming), by Tara Warwick, MS.
