Which stage is defined by a desire to change a certain behavior?

• A. Action
• B. Maintenance
• C. Contemplation
• D. Preparation

Answer: (C)

In the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change, the stage where someone recognizes there’s a problem and expresses a desire to change, but hasn’t started taking action yet, is contemplation. At this point, the person is weighing the benefits and costs of changing and considering what changes would involve, often feeling ambivalent. They may plan to change within the next six months but haven’t committed to a specific plan or begun the new behavior. This differs from preparation, where there’s a concrete plan and small steps toward action; action, where the behavior is actively changed; and maintenance, where the new behavior is sustained over time. So the stage defined by a desire to change is contemplation.