ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

During which stage of the behavior change model are clients most likely to seek help and insights from others?

1. Contemplation

2. Preparation

3. Action

4. Maintenance

The correct answer is: Preparation

In the behavior change model, the preparation stage is characterized by individuals actively planning to make a change in their behavior. During this stage, clients typically begin to gather information, resources, and support to facilitate their upcoming change. They recognize the importance of building a supportive environment and often reach out to others, such as health coaches, friends, or family, to gain insights, encouragement, and practical advice. This stage is a crucial stepping stone between merely contemplating a change and actively implementing it. Clients often seek assistance to clarify their goals, develop a realistic action plan, and learn strategies that have worked for others. Their willingness to engage with others reflects a strong commitment to moving forward and signifies readiness to make those important behavioral adjustments. In contrast, while contemplation involves thinking about change and recognizing the need for it, clients may not yet be ready to seek help actively. The action stage is when individuals are actively making changes, and while they may still seek support, the focus is often on maintaining those changes rather than preparation. Maintenance is characterized by sustaining the new behavior and avoiding relapse, at which point individuals might seek support to remain on track but are not in the phase of preparing for change.