In the stages of change model, which stage typically follows Action?

• A. Preparation
• B. Maintenance
• C. Contemplation
• D. Pre-contemplation

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how people move through the stages as they adopt and keep a new behavior. After someone has moved into Action—actively changing their behavior—the next stage is Maintenance. In Maintenance, the focus is on sustaining the change over time, preventing relapse, and weaving the new behavior into daily life so it becomes durable and less likely to revert. This differs from earlier stages: Contemplation is when you’re weighing whether to change, Preparation is getting ready and planning, and Pre-contemplation is when change hasn’t even been considered yet. Relapse can occur and may send someone back to earlier stages, but the immediate next stage after Action is Maintenance.