Stages of Change

The stages of change were identified by Prochaska and DiClemente as a universal pathway along which people travel as they change their behaviours. They include:

• precontemplation - not considering change
• contemplation - considering pros and cons of making change
• preparation
• action
• maintenance
• relapse

Discussing past experiences can be useful in opening dialogue.

 

 

Molaison EF. 2002. Stages of change in clinical nutrition practice. Nutritional Clinical Care 5:251-7.

Prochaska JO and DiClemente CC. 1982

Zimmerman GL, Olsen CG, Bosworth MF. 2000.