Stage of change in which people are considering changing behavior in the next 6 months?

• A. Precontemplation stage
• B. Contemplation stage
• C. Action stage
• D. Maintenance stage

Answer: (B)

In the Transtheoretical Model, the stage where a person recognizes a problem and is considering changing within the next six months is contemplation. They’re aware a change may be needed and are weighing the benefits and barriers, often feeling ambivalence, but they haven’t committed to taking action yet.

This differs from precontemplation (no intention to change in the near future, possibly unaware of the problem), preparation (intending to act soon and starting to plan, usually within the next month), action (actively making changes), and maintenance (sustained change for six months or more). In contemplation, the focus is on resolving ambivalence and boosting motivation to move toward action.