Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps
Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps, Screen 5 of 11
Contemplation
During the contemplation stage, a person recognizes that a problem exists and is seriously thinking about changing a behavior, but has not yet committed him or herself to taking action. Prochaska and DiClemente’s research classified people as contemplative if they indicated they were seriously considering changing their behavior within the next six months.
In one of Prochaska and DiClemente’s studies of smokers, the most common outcome among 200 contemplators was no progression to the next stage of change over the two years of the study. The contemplation stage can last for long periods of time. The person in this stage knows where he or she wants to go but is not ready to do what is necessary to get there. Contemplators spend considerable effort weighing the pros and cons of the problem and its solutions. The hallmark of this stage is the serious consideration of change without adequate motivation to endure the effort of change and sustain the loss that change requires.
Contemplation
During the contemplation stage, a person recognizes that a problem exists and is seriously thinking about changing a behavior, but has not yet committed him or herself to taking action. Prochaska and DiClemente’s research classified people as contemplative if they indicated they were seriously considering changing their behavior within the next six months.
In one of Prochaska and DiClemente’s studies of smokers, the most common outcome among 200 contemplators was no progression to the next stage of change over the two years of the study. The contemplation stage can last for long periods of time. The person in this stage knows where he or she wants to go but is not ready to do what is necessary to get there. Contemplators spend considerable effort weighing the pros and cons of the problem and its solutions. The hallmark of this stage is the serious consideration of change without adequate motivation to endure the effort of change and sustain the loss that change requires.