What are the Stages of Change?


When working with a psychotherapist, undoubtedly, they are listening for various signals. For instance, they might listen for signals through thoughts, feelings, behaviors, patterns, desires, and personality traits. At times, a client is looking to make some change to impact those signals that are unhealthy or harmful. This is where assessing the stages of change can be helpful.

The Stages of Change, the Transtheoretical Model, is a psychological framework developed by James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente in the late 1970s. It describes the process individuals go through when making significant changes in their lives, mainly related to behavior and habits. There are five stages in this model:

  1. Precontemplation: In this stage, individuals are not yet aware of the need for change. They may be in denial about their behavior or have little motivation to change. They may not see the negative consequences of their actions or may not believe change is possible or necessary.

  2. Contemplation: During this stage, individuals begin to recognize the need for change and consider the possibility of making a change. They may weigh the pros and cons of changing and be more open to seeking information and advice about changing.

  3. Preparation: In the preparation stage, individuals are actively planning for change. They may set goals, make commitments, and gather resources and support to facilitate the change. They are getting ready to take action.

  4. Action: The action stage is characterized by actual, observable changes in behavior. Individuals in this stage actively implement their plans and make the desired changes. This is often the most visible stage of evolution, where people take steps to address their concerns.

  5. Maintenance: After successfully making a change, individuals enter the maintenance stage. During this phase, they work to sustain their changes and prevent relapse into old behaviors. This stage can last for an extended period and may involve strategies to maintain motivation and resist temptations to return to old habits.

In addition to these five stages, the model also includes the concept of relapse, where individuals may return to a previous stage (e.g., from action back to contemplation) if they encounter difficulties or setbacks. Relapse is seen as a normal part of the change process, and individuals may need to go through several cycles before achieving long-term success.

The Stages of Change model has been widely used in various fields, including psychology, addiction treatment, healthcare, and behavior change interventions, to understand and guide individuals toward healthier behaviors and habits. It helps professionals tailor interventions and support to match an individual's current stage of change.