During Stage 5 Maintenance, which statement best reflects handling of setbacks?

During Stage 5 Maintenance, which statement best reflects handling of setbacks?

• A. Setbacks can be treated as normal, and the plan adjusted as needed
• B. Setbacks indicate a need to end the maintenance phase
• C. The client should discontinue the maintenance plan after a setback
• D. Setbacks must be kept private from the client

Answer: (C)

Setbacks in the maintenance phase are expected and should be handled by adjusting the plan rather than ending or hiding the progress. The idea is to keep the behavior change alive by using setbacks as information that helps refine strategies, reinforce coping skills, and maintain accountability. By treating a setback as a normal occurrence and adapting the plan accordingly, the client stays on a sustainable path and builds resilience to future challenges. Ending the maintenance phase after a setback, discontinuing the plan, or keeping setbacks private undermines progress: it reduces support, breaks continuity, and erodes accountability, all of which can increase the chance of relapse. Instead, address the setback openly, reassess goals, and modify the approach to fit the client’s current context.

Setbacks in the maintenance phase are expected and should be handled by adjusting the plan rather than ending or hiding the progress. The idea is to keep the behavior change alive by using setbacks as information that helps refine strategies, reinforce coping skills, and maintain accountability. By treating a setback as a normal occurrence and adapting the plan accordingly, the client stays on a sustainable path and builds resilience to future challenges.

Ending the maintenance phase after a setback, discontinuing the plan, or keeping setbacks private undermines progress: it reduces support, breaks continuity, and erodes accountability, all of which can increase the chance of relapse. Instead, address the setback openly, reassess goals, and modify the approach to fit the client’s current context.