Which stage of the Stages of Change Model focuses on maintaining the behavior change?

The stage that focuses on maintaining behavior change is referred to as Maintenance. In the Stages of Change Model, which was developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, this stage comes after the Action stage. During the Maintenance stage, individuals have successfully implemented their desired change and are actively working to sustain it over time, thereby preventing relapse.

People in the Maintenance stage are committed to their new behavior and often engage in strategies to keep it up, such as continuing support groups, coping with triggers, and reinforcing positive behaviors. This stage can last for months or even years, as the individual establishes new habits and ways of living that align with their change goals. The focus is on consolidating gains made during the Action stage and developing a lifestyle that supports and promotes ongoing success in the desired behavior change.

Recognizing the purpose of this stage is crucial for counselors, as it informs their approach to supporting clients in maintaining their progress and equipping them with tools to handle challenges as they arise.