Which stage in the change process is characterized by a commitment to change?

The stage characterized by a commitment to change is the preparation stage. In this phase, individuals have moved beyond mere contemplation of change and have made the decision to embark on the process. They begin to actively plan for the change they wish to implement, often setting specific goals and outlining the steps they will take. This commitment signifies that they are ready to move forward and are likely to engage in behaviors that facilitate change.

In contrast, other stages do not focus on a committed plan: in the action stage, individuals are actively making changes, but they may not have fully committed to long-term strategies. In the precontemplation stage, individuals are not ready to consider change at all. Finally, in the maintenance stage, individuals work to sustain the changes they have made, which follows the preparation and action stages rather than embodying the commitment itself. Thus, the preparation stage stands out as the phase where commitment is solidified, paving the way for subsequent actions.