Which stage is characterized by successfully attained and maintained behavior change (at least 6 months)?

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

Answer: (D)

The stage where the change has been adopted and kept up for six months or longer is maintenance. At this point the focus shifts from starting the new behavior to preventing relapse and weaving the change into daily life. Strategies include planning for challenges, recognizing triggers, sustaining support, and reinforcing the new routine so it becomes automatic. For example, someone who has quit smoking for more than six months continues to use coping strategies and avoids situations that might prompt a return to old habits. Earlier stages involve thinking about change (contemplation), making plans and small steps (preparation), or actively changing the behavior (action), but the sustained, long-term maintenance is what characterizes this stage.