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Stages of Change

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Stages of Change Model

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Throughout all of our classes, we have learned about the six stages of change. In Find Your Fit (general elective course), it related the stages to physical activity levels. In Communication Foundation, it was taught in the first class as a way for us to see where we were and if we were ready to learn. In Interviewing, the stages of change could relate to how someone receives an empathic confrontation. Either they will receive the information and accept it, or they will deny or get angry.

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The idea is that Stages of Change can relate to all aspects of life, including our reactions and attitudes towards challenges and problems. Knowing what stage of the model we are at can help look at challenges in a realistic way. We can reflect and apply the stage concepts towards changing our behaviours, facing challenges, and creating solutions.

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There are six stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation/determination, action, maintenance, and relapse or termination. Some models have a seventh stage for problem solving. 

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1) Precontemplation:

  • no intention on changing behaviour

  • unaware of any issues or challenges

  • reluctance to acknowledge the impact of the problem

  • unaware of the impact of the problem

  • rebellious and resistance

  • resignation or giving up hope

  • rationalizing with a variety of justifying

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2) Contemplation:

  • aware problem exists but with no commitment to action

  • willing to consider the problem or challenge

  • sit on the fence on how to move forward

  • not a commitment and not a decision to change

  • willing to learn more about the challenges and problems

  • risk-reward analysis, consider the pros and cons

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3) Preparation to Action: Determination

  • intent on taking action to address problem or challenge

  • deciding to take action

  • no longer on the fence

  • ready and committed

  • making a realistic plan

  • asking for resourceful help

  • anticipate problems

  • create solutions to incorporate into the plan​

4) Action: Implementing the plan

  • active modification

  • putting the plan into action

  • sometimes a declaration to others of plan

  • sometimes seeking external confirmation or help

  • will solicit resources and help from others for support

  • a well thought out plan will create success which creates hope and self-confidence for future challenges and problems

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5) Maintenance

  • sustained changes

  • new behaviour or solutions implements

  • the changed behaviour or solutions are sustained successfully over time

  • change requires building new patterns of behaviour over time

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6) Relapse or Termination

  • falling back into old patterns of behaviour

  •  there may be strong temptations or lack of resources and support

  • some may relax their guards and slip into old habits

  • in termination, the problem or challenges are no longer issues

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