Which sequence correctly lists the stages of change for survivors addressing abuse?

Which sequence correctly lists the stages of change for survivors addressing abuse?

• A. Precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance
• B. Contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, precontemplation
• C. Action, maintenance, precontemplation, contemplation, preparation
• D. Preparation, action, maintenance, contemplation, precontemplation

Answer: (A)

Stages of change describe a person’s readiness to change a behavior and the typical path from not recognizing a need to change to sustaining new actions. The correct sequence starts with precontemplation, where the person may be unaware of or minimizing the problem. Next is contemplation, in which they acknowledge the issue and consider making a change in the near future. After that comes preparation, where they plan concrete steps to take action. Then action, where they actively implement those changes. Finally, maintenance, where the new behaviors are ongoing and efforts focus on preventing relapse. This ordering is best because each stage represents a distinct level of readiness and requires different supports and interventions. For survivors addressing abuse, understanding this progression helps tailor help—offering awareness and information in precontemplation, motivation and safety planning in contemplation, practical steps and planning in preparation, active support and access to resources in action, and ongoing support to sustain safety and coping in maintenance. Other sequences mix or reorder these stages, which doesn’t align with how readiness to change develops over time.

Stages of change describe a person’s readiness to change a behavior and the typical path from not recognizing a need to change to sustaining new actions. The correct sequence starts with precontemplation, where the person may be unaware of or minimizing the problem. Next is contemplation, in which they acknowledge the issue and consider making a change in the near future. After that comes preparation, where they plan concrete steps to take action. Then action, where they actively implement those changes. Finally, maintenance, where the new behaviors are ongoing and efforts focus on preventing relapse.

This ordering is best because each stage represents a distinct level of readiness and requires different supports and interventions. For survivors addressing abuse, understanding this progression helps tailor help—offering awareness and information in precontemplation, motivation and safety planning in contemplation, practical steps and planning in preparation, active support and access to resources in action, and ongoing support to sustain safety and coping in maintenance.

Other sequences mix or reorder these stages, which doesn’t align with how readiness to change develops over time.