Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps
Module 7: The Stages of Change and Risk Reduction Steps, Screen 7 of 11
Action
During the action stage, a person makes adaptations in order to change his or her attitudes, behaviors, or environment. Prochaska and DiClemente’s research classified people in the acting stage if they had successfully altered their behavior for a period ranging from one day to six months. The researchers defined “success” using criteria such as complete abstinence from smoking or drug use. The action stage demands considerable time and energy and is notable for overt and visible changes in behavior.
While action can be a dramatic and rewarding stage, merely acting is not the same as successfully achieving and maintaining behavior change. In addition, people in the action stage are particularly susceptible to relapse to an earlier stage: for example, an individual may give up heroin use completely for three months and then use again; or someone may have been consistent about using a condom for every act of anal intercourse for a month and then may slip and have unsafe sex.
Action
During the action stage, a person makes adaptations in order to change his or her attitudes, behaviors, or environment. Prochaska and DiClemente’s research classified people in the acting stage if they had successfully altered their behavior for a period ranging from one day to six months. The researchers defined “success” using criteria such as complete abstinence from smoking or drug use. The action stage demands considerable time and energy and is notable for overt and visible changes in behavior.
While action can be a dramatic and rewarding stage, merely acting is not the same as successfully achieving and maintaining behavior change. In addition, people in the action stage are particularly susceptible to relapse to an earlier stage: for example, an individual may give up heroin use completely for three months and then use again; or someone may have been consistent about using a condom for every act of anal intercourse for a month and then may slip and have unsafe sex.