Which stage of the change process is focused on maintaining new patterns of behavior?

The maintenance stage of the change process is centered around sustaining new behaviors over the long term. During this phase, individuals work to solidify the changes they’ve made, ensuring these transformations become a permanent part of their lifestyle. The focus is on avoiding relapse into old behaviors, reinforcing the new patterns and strategies that support these changes, and integrating them into their daily routines.

This stage is critical because maintaining change requires ongoing commitment and often involves addressing challenges that may arise. Individuals may use various coping strategies and support systems to manage these challenges effectively. A successful maintenance phase indicates not just a temporary change but a deep-seated transformation that an individual is likely to carry forward long into the future.

In contrast, other stages like action involve actively implementing the changes, preparation is about planning and getting ready to change, and contemplation relates to thinking about making a change without taking action. Each plays a distinct role in the overall process of behavior change, but maintenance is specifically dedicated to the ongoing efforts to keep new behaviors in place.