Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which stage in the Stages of Change model occurs after Action?

1. Precontemplation

2. Contemplation

3. Maintenance

4. Relapse

The correct answer is: Maintenance

The stage that occurs after Action in the Stages of Change model is Maintenance. This stage is crucial for solidifying the changes made during the Action stage. Once individuals take proactive steps to change their behavior (such as implementing new habits or adopting healthier lifestyles), the Maintenance stage focuses on sustaining those changes over time to prevent relapse. In the Maintenance stage, individuals work on maintaining their progress by incorporating strategies that support their new behaviors and help them deal with potential challenges or temptations that might lead them back to previous habits. This involves ongoing effort, self-monitoring, and sometimes seeking support from others. Considering the other options, Precontemplation refers to the stage where individuals are not yet considering change, Contemplation involves thinking about change but not yet acting on it, and Relapse indicates a return to old behaviors, which is something that may occur if the strategies from Maintenance are not properly utilized. These stages are part of the dynamic process individuals go through in behavioral change, highlighting the importance of the Maintenance stage as a means of ensuring long-term success.