A 45-year-old man presents to the primary care clinic for a routine check-up. He has a history of hypertension. Vital signs show a blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg, a heart rate of 88/min, and a respiratory rate of 14/min. Physical examination reveals mild hepatomegaly. Upon questioning, he reports drinking 6 to 8 beers daily and screens positive for severe alcohol use disorder. The physician plans to use the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) to guide behavioral counseling. In what chronological order do the stages of change typically occur, progressing from an initial lack of awareness to long-term sustained behavior change?
- 1Precontemplation
- 2Contemplation
- 3Preparation
- 4Action
- 5Maintenance
Answer
The correct chronological sequence is Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and finally Maintenance.
The Transtheoretical Model of Change outlines the typical sequence a patient goes through when modifying addictive behaviors. It begins with Precontemplation (denial or ignorance of the problem), followed by Contemplation (ambivalence and weighing pros and cons). This leads to Preparation (planning to make a change soon). The patient then moves into Action (actively engaging in the new behavior) and finally Maintenance (sustaining the change over time and preventing relapse). Understanding this sequence allows clinicians to tailor their interventions to the patient's current readiness to change.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)