Which description best defines Contemplation in the stages of change?

Which description best defines Contemplation in the stages of change?

• A. The stage in which the person is ambivalent—aware that change might be useful but not committed to action.
• B. The stage in which the person plans to act soon and may be taking small initial steps.
• C. The stage of overt behavior change, typically lasting up to about six months.
• D. The stage in which the person is not considering change in the foreseeable future.

Answer: (A)

Contemplation is the stage where a person recognizes that change could be useful but isn’t ready to commit to taking action. Ambivalence is common here—the person weighs the benefits and the barriers, may intend to act within the near future, but hasn’t set concrete steps or a firm commitment yet. This contrasts with preparation, where there’s a clear plan to act soon and might include small initial steps, and with action, where actual changes are put into practice. It also differs from not considering change at all, where change isn’t on the radar. For example, someone may think about starting an exercise routine and weigh pros and cons, but hasn’t decided to begin yet.

Contemplation is the stage where a person recognizes that change could be useful but isn’t ready to commit to taking action. Ambivalence is common here—the person weighs the benefits and the barriers, may intend to act within the near future, but hasn’t set concrete steps or a firm commitment yet. This contrasts with preparation, where there’s a clear plan to act soon and might include small initial steps, and with action, where actual changes are put into practice. It also differs from not considering change at all, where change isn’t on the radar. For example, someone may think about starting an exercise routine and weigh pros and cons, but hasn’t decided to begin yet.