What does the maintenance stage in the stages of change model primarily focus on?

The maintenance stage in the stages of change model primarily focuses on preventing relapse and sustaining changes that have already been achieved. During this phase, individuals work to integrate the new behaviors into their daily lives and ensure that they become a permanent part of their routine. This often involves developing strategies to cope with challenges and temptations that may arise, reinforcing the commitment to change, and identifying supports that help maintain these new behaviors.

Individuals in the maintenance stage are not just trying to avoid going back to old habits but are actively reinforcing their new lifestyle choices. They may reflect on their progress and use techniques learned during earlier stages to stay motivated and engaged. The focus is on creating a stable environment that supports ongoing success, making it essential for individuals to create plans that include support systems, healthy routines, and ways to deal with potential setbacks.

Other options emphasize different aspects of the change process. For example, facilitating the change process is more relevant to earlier stages where individuals are still grappling with the decision to change. Assessing readiness to change relates to the contemplation stage, where individuals consider the need for change. Developing a new understanding of behavior is also more pertinent in the earlier stages where awareness and insight are critical for moving forward.