“Stages of Change” Model

A variety of theoretical models examine the factors that contribute to behavior change. One such model is the “stages of change” model.

This model suggests that individuals or groups pass through six stages when changing behavior: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse. For example, when people change their behavior by using condoms to protect themselves from infection, the stages they pass through could be described as:

1. Pre-contemplation: Have not considered that they are at risk and need to use condoms
2. Contemplation: Become aware of their risk and subsequent need to use condoms 
3. Preparation: Begin to think about using condoms in the next months
4. Action: Use condoms consistently for fewer than six months
5. Maintenance: Use condoms consistently for six months or more
6. Relapse: May begin to use condoms less consistently or discontinue use

These stages are not linear; people tend to move back and forth fluidly between stages, and relapse to a prior stage is always possible. In fact, people can relapse to any stage, but a return to pre-contemplation is least likely. It is important to remember that changing behaviors, especially intimate and private behaviors, is a complex process.

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