What is the initial stage of the Model of Change?

The initial stage of the Model of Change is pre-contemplation. In this stage, individuals are generally not yet considering change and may be unaware of any issues related to their behavior or situation. They might not see any problem at all, which often leads to a lack of intention to change. It’s a critical phase where awareness needs to be built before any movement towards change can take place.

During pre-contemplation, individuals may respond to external feedback about their behavior or condition without genuinely engaging with the idea of change. This stage serves as the foundation for later stages where contemplation and active planning for change occur. Understanding this initial stage is essential for effective intervention because methods to assist individuals in moving forward require a tailored approach that respects their current mindset around change.

Other stages, such as contemplation, action, and maintenance, come after pre-contemplation and involve varying levels of acknowledgment about the need for change and steps taken toward achieving it.