Which set of terms represents the five stages of the stages of change model?

• A. Activation, Engagement, Adoption, Integration, Sustainment
• B. Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
• C. Initiation, Growth, Maturity, Decline, Renewal
• D. Recognition, Planning, Trying, Succeeding

Answer: (B)

This question tests understanding of how readiness to change a behavior is organized. The five stages in this well-known model are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In precontemplation, the person isn’t considering change yet. In contemplation, they recognize the issue and start weighing options. In preparation, they plan and take initial steps toward change. In action, they actively implement the new behavior. In maintenance, they sustain the change over time and work to prevent relapse. The other term sets don’t reflect this progression of increasing readiness to change— Activation through Sustainment comes from general change rollout contexts, not the personal readiness pathway, and Initiation-Growth-Maturity-Decline-Renewal describes a lifecycle rather than behavior-change readiness.