What stage follows the Action phase in the Stages of Change?

The stage that follows the Action phase in the Stages of Change model is Maintenance. In the Action phase, individuals have actively made changes to their behavior—such as starting a new exercise regimen or altering their diet—and are working to sustain these changes. The Maintenance stage is critical because it focuses on maintaining the new behavior over the long term and preventing relapse into old habits.

During the Maintenance phase, individuals continue to engage in their new behaviors and develop strategies to cope with challenges and temptations that may arise. This stage often involves reinforcing the positive benefits of the change in order to solidify the new habits. Successful transition into Maintenance reflects a sustained commitment to the new behavior and an understanding of the importance of ongoing effort to uphold the changes achieved during the Action phase.