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Contemplation Stage — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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EasyPsychotherapyContemplation StageMRCPsych Paper B

Which description best characterises the contemplation stage of the Prochaska and DiClemente transtheoretical model of behaviour change?

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Correct answer: B — The person recognises the problem and is considering change but remains ambivalent

In the contemplation stage, the person recognises that their behaviour is problematic and considers changing it, but remains ambivalent because the perceived advantages and disadvantages of change are relatively balanced. Exploring and resolving this ambivalence is therefore an important therapeutic focus, often using motivational interviewing principles. Option A describes precontemplation, where there is no current intention to change. Option C describes preparation, characterised by an intention to act soon and concrete planning. Option E describes action, when behavioural change has begun. Option D describes maintenance, when change has been sustained and attention is directed towards preventing relapse.

Reference: NICE. A review of the use of the Health Belief Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Trans-Theoretical Model, section on the stages of change, 2007. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph6/evidence/behaviour-change-review-4-models-369664528