In the stages of change model, what stage is represented by a person who has cut down on smoking to one pack per day and is preparing to quit?

The stage represented by a person who has reduced their smoking to one pack per day and is preparing to quit is the Preparation stage. This stage is characterized by individuals who are intending to take action soon and have begun making small changes. In this scenario, cutting down on smoking demonstrates a proactive approach to behavior change.

During the Preparation stage, a person typically begins to develop a plan for changing their behavior. They might be gathering information, setting up support systems, and mentally preparing themselves for the upcoming change, which in this case involves quitting smoking altogether. This stage reflects a determination to change and often includes specific intentions to perform the behavior change within the near future.

In contrast, the other stages differ in focus: Contemplation is about recognizing the need for change but not yet planning to do anything concrete. Action involves actively implementing the change and making significant efforts to modify behavior, while Maintenance refers to the ongoing efforts to sustain the change after it has been achieved.