In the stages of health behavior, which stage represents sustained change overtime?

• A. Pre-contemplation Stage
• B. Maintenance Stage
• C. Contemplation Stage
• D. Preparation Stage

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is long-term adherence to a new behavior. In the stages of health behavior change, sustaining a change over time is the maintenance stage. After someone has started the new behavior and is actively doing it (action), maintenance focuses on keeping that behavior going and preventing relapse, typically for six months or more. For example, quitting smoking and remaining smoke-free for an extended period illustrates maintenance. The other stages involve either not yet intending to change (precontemplation), seriously considering a change (contemplation), or preparing to act soon (preparation).