Which model describes the stages of behavior change as pre-contemplation, contemplation, decision, action, and maintenance?

The Stages of Change Model, also known as the Transtheoretical Model, outlines a systematic approach to understanding how individuals progress through various stages when changing their behavior. This model identifies five key stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, decision (or preparation), action, and maintenance.

In the pre-contemplation stage, individuals may not yet recognize that they have a problem or the need for change. As they move into the contemplation stage, they begin to acknowledge the issue and consider the possibility of changing their behavior. The decision stage represents the time when they are ready to take action and establish a plan to initiate change. In the action stage, individuals implement their plans by actively changing their behavior. Finally, during the maintenance stage, the focus is on sustaining the behavior change over time and preventing relapse.

Understanding these stages is crucial for health professionals, including genetic counselors, as it helps tailor interventions and support to an individual’s current level of readiness for change. This model has broad applications in health education, counseling, and behavior modification efforts.

The other models mentioned—Consumer Information Processing Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Health Belief Model—approach behavior change from different perspectives and do not specifically categorize the process into distinct stages like the St