Which stage indicates the client is getting ready to change?

Which stage indicates the client is getting ready to change?

• A. Stage 3 Determination
• B. Stage 4 Action
• C. Stage 5 Maintenance
• D. Stage 6 Termination

Answer: (A)

In this model, getting ready to change happens when a person shifts from thinking about change to making concrete plans. At this stage, individuals commit to change, set a target date, gather information, identify potential barriers and supports, and begin taking small preparatory steps toward the new behavior. It’s the moment when intention turns into a plan, rather than actually performing the new behavior. This is why the stage is labeled as Preparation or Determination in many frameworks—the person isn’t applying the change yet, but they are actively gearing up to do so. The next stage, Action, is where the person starts implementing the new behavior. Maintenance involves sustaining it, and Termination represents complete, lasting change with no temptation to revert.

In this model, getting ready to change happens when a person shifts from thinking about change to making concrete plans. At this stage, individuals commit to change, set a target date, gather information, identify potential barriers and supports, and begin taking small preparatory steps toward the new behavior. It’s the moment when intention turns into a plan, rather than actually performing the new behavior.

This is why the stage is labeled as Preparation or Determination in many frameworks—the person isn’t applying the change yet, but they are actively gearing up to do so. The next stage, Action, is where the person starts implementing the new behavior. Maintenance involves sustaining it, and Termination represents complete, lasting change with no temptation to revert.