What stage comes after Contemplation in the Stages of Change model?

• A. Precontemplation
• B. Contemplation
• C. Preparation
• D. Action

Answer: (C)

The next stage after Contemplation is Preparation. In this stage, people intend to take action soon and begin planning for it. They might set a concrete goal, outline steps, gather resources, or make small changes to test the waters. This move from merely thinking about change to actively planning how to change paves the way for Action, where the new behavior is actually carried out. Precontemplation comes before Contemplation, and Maintenance comes after Action as the change is sustained.