Stages of Change
We are often asked questions about change (e.g. how to change one's behavior or how to change the behavior of another). As the old saying goes "The Only Constant in the Universe is Change." Thus it is important to constantly evaluate our views and awareness as to how open we are to change in our own lives and relationships.
How open we are to making changes inevitably effects all areas of our lives from our emotional and physical health, to our careers and our relationships. James Prochaska Ph.D., psychology professor at the University of Rhode Island constructed the following model of the stages of change which has been used in the field of psychology for over 30 years:
Pre-Contemplation
In this stage, the person is not aware there is a problem and may use denial if confronted. The person may feel that the problem lies outside of him/herself (the belief that someone else caused the problem and is responsible for fixing it) and is not considering making any kind of change or taking personal responsibility.
Contemplation
In this stage, the person has become aware (often through consequences such as a run-in with the law or being threatened with a divorce) that changes need to be made. These people are "contemplating" making changes.
Preparation
The person begins to prepare for changes that need to be made. They take a personal account of what needs to be done and plan their map for change.
Action
The person is taking the necessary actions and making the appropriate changes in his/her life.
Maintenance
The process of maintaining the desired behavior change over time. This is important to continue to take personal accountability to avoid relapse into old behavior patterns.
Relapse
This is a stage often experienced by many people in the change process. The person in this stage will "go back" to old behavior patterns. However, they often re-enter at the contemplation stage and regain insight into the causes of the relapse and pick up the pieces again and continue along the path to lasting change.