Which stage involves sustaining change over time?

• A. Contemplation
• B. Preparation
• C. Action
• D. Maintenance

Answer: (D)

Understanding the stages of change, the maintenance stage is about keeping the new behavior going over the long term. After someone has taken action to change, maintenance focuses on preventing relapse and weaving the new behavior into daily life. It involves ongoing strategies like coping with triggers, building routines, and seeking support to make the change feel like a durable part of living, usually lasting months or years.

Contemplation is about considering change, delays commitment; preparation is making concrete plans to change; action is actively making the change in behavior for a period. Maintenance comes after those steps and centers on sustaining the gains and avoiding slide backs.