Which phase is NOT part of the Transtheoretical Model of change?

In the Transtheoretical Model of change, commonly referred to as the Stages of Change model, individual behavior change is understood to occur in five distinct stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Each of these phases corresponds to a different level of readiness to change.

The phases of contemplation and maintenance are critical components of this model. During the contemplation phase, individuals recognize the need for change and begin to consider the implications of their current behaviors, weighing the pros and cons. In the maintenance phase, individuals work to sustain the changes they have made and to prevent relapse after successfully adopting new behaviors.

While "determination" might seem like a relevant concept, it is not a recognized stage within the Transtheoretical Model. Instead, the preparation stage often serves the purpose of leading into the action stage where individuals actively modify their behavior. Therefore, recognizing that determination is not formally included in the model helps to clarify the framework designed for understanding behavior change.