Table 2 Five Stages of Change, its characteristics and relevant strategies (Kendra C 2010)
Stage | Characteristics | Strategies |
|---|---|---|
Pre-contemplation | • Not intending to change in the next 6 months. •In denial or ignorant of the problem. | •Encourage the patient to self-analyse and rethink his/her behaviour. •Explain the risks of current behaviour. |
Contemplation | •Intending to change in the next 6 months. •Having conflicting emotion. | •Weigh the pros and cons of changing behaviour. •Address barriers and encourage confidence. |
Preparation | •Planning to change in the next 30 days and have made a previous attempt to improve. •Experimenting and collecting information about change. | •Prepare an action plan or goal. •Motivate the patient to change. |
Action | •Taking actions towards achieving the goal for at least the last 6 months. | •Encourage the patient to seek social support and motivate him/her to sustain the behaviour. •Reward for the success. |
Maintenance | •New behaviour is sustained for at least 6 months. | •Strategies to cope with temptation. •Reward for the success. |