Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)

The ‘Stages of Change’ model

In the late 1970s- and continuing into 1980s- Prochaska and DiClimente developed a ‘stages of change’ theory to explain the processes associated with behaviour change.

They describe a ‘stages of change’ model, which identifies the 6 stages of change:

  1. Pre-contemplation
  2. Contemplation/Thinking
  3. Preparation/Planning
  4. Action/Making change
  5. Maintenance or
  6. Relapse

If healthcare professionals are able to assess and recognise which stage an individual is at, they will be better able to intervene appropriately and effectively.

Page last reviewed: 10 Oct 2021