In the Prochaska & DiClemente cycle of change, which stage involves preparing to take action in the near future?

In the Prochaska & DiClemente cycle of change, which stage involves preparing to take action in the near future?

• A. Precontemplation
• B. Preparation
• C. Action
• D. Maintenance

Answer: (B)

This question tests recognizing the stage where someone is gearing up to act soon. In the Preparation stage, individuals intend to take action in the near future (often within a month) and start making concrete steps to get ready. They might set a specific goal, plan the steps needed, gather resources, or adjust their environment to support the upcoming change. This stage sits between the ambivalence of contemplation and the actual behavior change seen in the action stage, and it’s distinct from precontemplation (no intention to change) and maintenance (sustaining the change over time). So the stage described is Preparation.

This question tests recognizing the stage where someone is gearing up to act soon. In the Preparation stage, individuals intend to take action in the near future (often within a month) and start making concrete steps to get ready. They might set a specific goal, plan the steps needed, gather resources, or adjust their environment to support the upcoming change. This stage sits between the ambivalence of contemplation and the actual behavior change seen in the action stage, and it’s distinct from precontemplation (no intention to change) and maintenance (sustaining the change over time). So the stage described is Preparation.