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.