The Stages of Change

The stages of changing oneself (DiClemente & Prochaska, 1998).

People move back and forth between these stages over time, even within short time like an hour or a day.

  • Pre-contemplation: “Not ready to change”
  • Contemplation: “Thinking about change”
  • Preparation: “Getting ready to change”
  • Action: “Ready, Set, Go”
  • Maintenance: “Hanging in there”
  • Relapse: setbacks are a normal part of recovery.