Which stage involves maintaining a new behavior consistently for over 6 months?

The stage that involves maintaining a new behavior consistently for over six months is maintenance. This phase is crucial in the behavioral change process, as it signifies that an individual has successfully adopted a new behavior and is working to sustain it over time.

During the maintenance stage, individuals focus on preventing relapse and reinforcing their commitment to the new behavior. This might involve developing strategies to cope with challenges that could disrupt their progress, such as environmental triggers or social pressures. The goal is to integrate the new behavior into their daily life such that it becomes a habitual part of their routine.

In contrast, the other stages focus on different aspects of change. Action occurs when individuals are actively implementing their new behaviors but haven’t yet reached the six-month milestone. Contemplation is the stage where individuals recognize the need for change but have not yet committed to taking action. Preparation involves making plans for change and taking small steps toward developing new behaviors. Each of these stages plays a vital role in the overall process of behavioral change, but the maintenance stage is specifically characterized by long-term adherence and stability.