The termination stage is controversial, as most treatment programs for behaviors like addiction operate under the belief that recovery is a lifelong process. In other words, some counselors believe a person who has changed a behavior stays in the maintenance stage for the rest of their life. 

Controversy Surrounding the Termination Stage of the Transtheoretical Model

Termination is the sixth and final stage of the Transtheoretical Model. A person is in termination if they have no desire to return to their problematic behavior, they are confident they will not relapse, and they do not have to try to keep themselves from relapsing.

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A model frequently used in addictions counseling that outlines stages individuals go through when changing a health behavior. The theory emphasizes that individuals cannot be forced into making a change; instead, they have to move through the stages at their own pace. The 6 stages are:
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Termination

Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change

Prochaska, J.O., & Prochaska, J.M. (2016). Changing to thrive. Hazelden Publishing.

Changing to Thrive

Precontemplation is the first stage of change. In precontemplation, a person is not thinking about changing their behavior. They do not understand that their current habit may be problematic.

Precontemplation Stage of Transtheoretical Model

Contemplation is the second stage in the Transtheoretical Model. In contemplation, a person is thinking about changing their behavior, and intends to do so within the next six months.

Contemplation Stage of Transtheoretical Model

Preparation is the third stage of change. In preparation, an individual plans on taking actions to change their behavior in the next month. For example, a person who is focused on changing eating habits in the preparation stage may have an appointment scheduled to discuss dietary changes with their doctor, but they have not gone to the appointment yet. 

Preparation Stage of Transtheoretical Model

Action is the fourth stage of the Transtheoretical Model. In action, a person has made a change to their behavior in the past six months. It is important that a person does not take action until they are ready, and have moved from precontemplation to the preparation stage. 

Action Stage of Transtheoretical Model

Maintenance is the fifth stage of the Transtheoretical Model. In maintenance, a person has already made a change to their behavior, and upheld that change for up to five years without relapsing. For example, a person who is recovering from alcoholism and has been sober for nine months is considered to be in maintenance.

Maintenance Stage of Transtheoretical Model

Termination Stage of Transtheoretical Model

The Transtheoretical Model is typically used to assess health behavior change. It would be interesting to see if it can be applied to changing non-health-related habits (for example, study habits).

Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Non-Health Behaviors

Relapse in the Transtheoretical Model involves regressing from one stage of the model to a previous stage. The individual does not have to start over in the process of changing; instead, the model emphasizes that they have the ability to return to the stage they were in. Relapse is viewed as a normal part of the change process.

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