Which stage in the model of change involves the ongoing practice of new, healthier behavior?

The stage of the model of change that involves the ongoing practice of new, healthier behavior is the Maintenance stage. This phase follows the Action stage, where individuals implement their new behaviors. The Maintenance stage is crucial because it focuses on sustaining these positive changes over time and preventing relapse into old patterns.

During this stage, individuals work on integrating their new behaviors into their daily lives, ensuring that these healthy habits become a permanent part of their routine. This phase may also involve developing coping strategies and support systems to help deal with potential challenges or triggers that may lead to a return to previous unhealthy behaviors.

In contrast, other stages like Preparation involve planning and setting the groundwork for change, Action is about actively making those changes, and Contemplation refers to the initial stages of recognizing the need for change without yet taking steps toward it.