In the stages of change model, which description best contrasts precontemplation and preparation?

• A. Precontemplation: raise awareness and explore ambivalence; Preparation: concrete planning and small steps.
• B. Precontemplation: formulate goals; Preparation: ignore ambivalence.
• C. Precontemplation: action; Preparation: maintenance.
• D. Precontemplation: relapse prevention; Preparation: contemplation.

Answer: (B)

In the stages of change, precontemplation is about not yet considering change, often with little awareness of the problem and ambivalence that hasn’t been addressed. Preparation is when a person is getting ready to act, starting concrete planning and small steps toward change. The description that matches this distinction says that precontemplation involves raising awareness and exploring ambivalence, while preparation involves concrete planning and small steps. This aligns with how people move from not thinking about change to actively getting ready to change.

The other descriptions mix up where planning, ambivalence, and action belong. For example, formulating goals is more typical of the preparation stage, not precontemplation, and ignoring ambivalence contradicts how the model views readiness to change. Actions like doing the behavior or maintaining it occur in later stages, not in precontemplation or preparation.