Which stage of change involves recognizing the need for change but not yet committing to it?

The stage of change that involves recognizing the need for change but not yet committing to it is the contemplation stage. At this point, individuals become aware of their issues or behaviors and start to think about making a change, although they have not taken any definitive steps toward that change yet. They are typically weighing the pros and cons of changing their behavior and may feel ambivalent about moving forward. The contemplation stage is a critical time for reflection and consideration, laying the groundwork for eventual commitment to action.

In other stages such as pre-contemplation, individuals may not recognize that there is a need for change at all, so they lack the awareness of the issue. In the preparation stage, individuals have moved beyond contemplation and are making plans to change their behavior. The action stage involves actively implementing those changes. Understanding these distinctions helps in effectively supporting individuals in their journey through the stages of change.