In which stage of change is a person not yet aware of the need to change?

The correct answer is associated with the Pre-contemplation stage of change, which refers to a phase where individuals are not yet aware of or are unable to acknowledge their need to change. In this stage, a person has little to no intention of altering their behavior because they may be in denial about the consequences of their actions or simply not recognizing that a problem exists.

Individuals in the Pre-contemplation stage often lack information about the impact of their behavior or might feel overwhelmed by the idea of change, leading them to avoid thinking about it altogether. This contrasts sharply with later stages of change, such as Contemplation, where individuals start considering the possibility of change and weighing the pros and cons of their behavior. In the Action stage, individuals actively implement changes to their behavior, while in the Maintenance stage, they work to sustain the changes they have already made.

Understanding these stages is crucial for effectively guiding individuals through the process of change, and recognizing that a person in the Pre-contemplation stage may require support in increasing awareness and motivation.