Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the third stage in the Stages of Change model?

1. Maintenance

2. Preparation

3. Action

4. Contemplation

The correct answer is: Preparation

In the Stages of Change model, the third stage is known as Action. During this phase, individuals actively implement the strategies and steps they have been planning in the previous stages. This is where they begin to modify their behaviors, make significant changes, and put their plans into practice. The Action stage is critical because it reflects a commitment to change, and the individual is now experiencing the process of making those changes in real time. While preparation involves planning and strategizing for change, it lacks the active component seen in the Action stage. In the Contemplation stage, individuals are aware of the need to change but have not yet committed to taking steps; hence, they are still in the thinking phase rather than executing their plans. The Maintenance stage follows Action and involves sustaining the changes over time to prevent relapse. Understanding these stages can help professionals support individuals through each step of the change process effectively.