What is 'sustain talk'?

Sustain talk refers to the statements or expressions made by an individual that justify or support their current behavior, indicating a preference for maintaining the status quo. This concept is often discussed in the context of motivational interviewing and behavior change, where sustainability of current habits or behaviors can be a barrier to making positive changes.

When individuals engage in sustain talk, they may articulate reasons for continuing their current way of living, which can reflect ambivalence toward change. Understanding this concept is crucial for professionals in fields such as probation and counseling, as it helps them recognize when clients are expressing resistance to change, thus allowing for better strategies to facilitate motivation and support progress.

The other options describe different aspects of change talk or intentions rather than sustain talk, which specifically centers on justifications for existing behaviors.