Stages of Change Model 

The Stages of Change Model was originally developed while James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente were studying how smokers were able to give up their habits of addiction. The idea behind the model is that behavior change does not happen in one step. People tend to progress through different stages in their development of successful change. Also, everyone progresses through the stages at their own rate. 

The first stage of change is precontemplation, not yet acknowledging that there is an issue in behavior that needs to be altered. 

Next is contemplation, which is acknowledging that there is a problem present, but not yet being ready to make a change. 

Thirdly, is the preparation of getting ready to change. During this stage, one must prepare themself mentally and physically to make a definite change in their lives. 

Finally, we get to the changing of the behavior in the action and willpower stage, which is when one has prepared enough desire to change to finally undergo a major transition.

Maintaining the behavior comes next, which is a very important stage. If not maintained, then all the other stages have gone to waste. 

Returning to past behaviors and forgetting about the new changes one has made is the last stage, known as relapse.

Work Cited