Which stage of behavioral change indicates that a person has maintained consistent behavior patterns over the long term?

The maintenance stage signifies that an individual has achieved a behavior change and has consistently upheld this new behavior over an extended period. This stage is critical for ensuring that the changes made are sustainable and not just temporary. In this phase, the person actively works to prevent relapse into old behaviors by integrating the new behavior into their daily routine and lifestyle.

For example, someone who has adopted a regular exercise routine for more than six months is in the maintenance stage. Their ability to continue this behavior, navigate challenges, and remain committed to their new lifestyle is indicative of success in this stage of change.

Other stages, such as action, preparation, and precontemplation, refer to different phases of change where individuals are either just starting or are not yet considering taking action towards behavioral change, thereby missing the commitment and consistency seen in the maintenance stage.