Which stage involves maintaining progress and working to prevent relapse?

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

Answer: (B)

In the stages of change model, maintaining progress and preventing relapse is the focus of the maintenance stage. Here, after the initial change has been made, the emphasis shifts to sustaining the new behavior over time and developing strategies to avoid slipping back into old patterns. This includes reinforcing new routines, managing triggers, using coping skills, and leveraging social support to keep the change intact. By contrast, contemplation involves thinking about changing but not yet acting; preparation is getting ready to act soon and planning; and action is actively performing the new behavior. So the option that describes ongoing maintenance and relapse prevention fits best.