What is the primary focus of the maintenance stage in the model of change?

The maintenance stage in the model of change is centered around the consistent practice of new behaviors. During this stage, individuals have already made changes and are committed to sustaining those changes over time. It’s not just about adopting new habits; it involves embedding those habits into daily life to prevent relapse.

Consistency is key in the maintenance stage, as it helps reinforce the changes and allows individuals to develop confidence in their ability to manage and maintain their new behaviors. This stage is crucial for long-term success, as it requires the individual to navigate challenges and remain vigilant against the risk of reverting to previous behaviors. By practicing these new behaviors consistently, individuals solidify their progress and enhance their capacity for recovery and wellness.

The other options focus on earlier stages of the change process, where identifying problems, adopting new habits, and preparing for future actions play critical roles in initiating change but do not reflect the ongoing efforts required during maintenance.