Personality and Counseling Theory Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Individuals in the pre-contemplation stage demonstrate little to no intention of changing their behavior. This stage is characterized by a lack of awareness about the need for change, as individuals may not recognize their behavior as problematic or may not see any reason to alter it. They often remain unconcerned about the consequences of their actions and do not actively consider the possibility of making any changes.

In contrast, the other stages involve varying degrees of readiness to change. In the contemplation stage, individuals begin to recognize the need for change and start to think about the possibility, albeit without firm commitment. The preparation stage signifies a readiness to take action soon, and in the action stage, individuals are actively implementing change and taking steps toward their goals. Thus, the defining feature of the pre-contemplation stage is this absence of intention or motivation for change.