Prochaska's 6 Stage Model of Behaviour Change

Question 1

What are the 6 stages of Prochaska’s model?

Answer 1

1. Pre contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance (relapse)
6. Termination
   Stages 1-3 are regarded as pre-action
   Stages 4-6 are regarded as post-action

Question 2

What does Prochaska’s model recognise?

Answer 2

• Overcoming addiction is complex & doesn’t happen quickly or in linear order
• Cyclical process - progression through stages
• But, there’s a lot of returning to previous stages & missing out stages

Question 3

What is Stage 1: Precontemplation?

Answer 3

• No intention to change behaviour
• In denial - don’t see it as an issue

Question 4

What is Stage 2: Contemplation?

Answer 4

• Aware problem exists & needs to be changed
• No commitment made to change
• Intervention should help client see pros of changing outweigh cons

Question 5

What is Stage 3: Preparation?

Answer 5

• Decided to change
• Intervention should help client make a plan
• Not yet at abstinence

Question 6

What is Stage 4: Action?

Answer 6

• Actively changing behaviour
• Eg. getting rid of cigarettes & not smoking
• Relapse is likely to happen
• Intervention should give practical help, praise & rewards to maintain change

Question 7

What is Stage 5: Maintenance?

Answer 7

• Has maintained change for at least 6 months
• Intervention should focus on strategies to prevent relapse

Question 8

What is Stage 6: Termination?

Answer 8

• Change is permanent & stable
• Abstinence is automatic - no chance of relapse
• No intervention required