Which stage comes immediately after contemplation in the stages of change?

In the stages of change model, the stage that follows contemplation is preparation. In this context, contemplation involves individuals considering the possibility of making a change but not yet committed to taking action. During the preparation stage, individuals start to develop a plan for how to implement the changes they have been contemplating. They may begin gathering resources, setting goals, and taking small steps toward their desired change. This stage is critical as it shifts the mindset from thinking about change to actively planning for it, laying the groundwork needed for successful action.

The preparation stage is about readiness and often includes specific intentions to change behaviors and preparing oneself for the subsequent action stage. It is a proactive phase where the individual begins to take ownership of their journey toward change by preparing both mentally and practically.