In the Maintenance stage, what is the recommended coaching response?

In the Maintenance stage, what is the recommended coaching response?

• A. Anticipate relapse, consolidate identity
• B. Build rapport
• C. Explore ambivalence
• D. Help build a concrete plan

Answer: (A)

In the Maintenance stage, the focus is on sustaining the change and preventing relapse. The best coaching response is to anticipate relapse and help the client consolidate their identity as someone who maintains the new behavior. Anticipating relapse means coaching the client to spot high-risk situations, early warning signs, and effective coping strategies in advance, so a slip doesn’t spiral into a full relapse. Consolidating identity strengthens commitment by reinforcing the view that maintaining the new behavior is part of who they are, not just what they do temporarily. This combination supports long-term adherence by combining practical preparation with a stable self-concept. Building rapport is important across all stages, but it doesn’t specifically address relapse prevention in maintenance. Exploring ambivalence is more relevant when someone is weighing change (earlier stages). Helping build a concrete plan is crucial when initiating or transitioning into action, whereas in maintenance the aim is to refine and sustain the plan and bolster relapse-prevention skills.

In the Maintenance stage, the focus is on sustaining the change and preventing relapse. The best coaching response is to anticipate relapse and help the client consolidate their identity as someone who maintains the new behavior. Anticipating relapse means coaching the client to spot high-risk situations, early warning signs, and effective coping strategies in advance, so a slip doesn’t spiral into a full relapse. Consolidating identity strengthens commitment by reinforcing the view that maintaining the new behavior is part of who they are, not just what they do temporarily. This combination supports long-term adherence by combining practical preparation with a stable self-concept.

Building rapport is important across all stages, but it doesn’t specifically address relapse prevention in maintenance. Exploring ambivalence is more relevant when someone is weighing change (earlier stages). Helping build a concrete plan is crucial when initiating or transitioning into action, whereas in maintenance the aim is to refine and sustain the plan and bolster relapse-prevention skills.