What stage of change involves not yet acknowledging that there is a problem behavior?

The stage of change referred to as pre-contemplation is characterized by individuals who do not recognize that they have a problem behavior that requires change. Often, those in this stage may be unaware of the issues their behavior is causing, or they may not see it as a problem at all. This lack of awareness is crucial in understanding how interventions should be designed, as individuals at this stage may resist external attempts to convince them to change.

In contrast, the contemplation stage involves individuals who are aware of their problem behavior, but are ambivalent about making changes. The action stage refers to those who are actively working to modify their behaviors, while the maintenance stage involves individuals who have made changes and are focusing on sustaining those changes over time. Understanding these distinctions helps counselors tailor their approaches according to the client's readiness to change.