Which of the following stages comes first in the stages of change model?

The stages of change model, also known as the Transtheoretical Model, outlines how individuals progress through various phases when altering behaviors. The first stage, precontemplation, is characterized by a lack of awareness regarding the need to change. At this point, individuals may not recognize their problem, or they may be in denial about the impacts of their current behavior. They are not yet considering making a change, which differentiates this stage from others like contemplation, where individuals start acknowledging the need for change and begin to think about making a plan.

Understanding precontemplation is crucial because it sets the foundation for subsequent stages. When an individual finally moves to contemplation, they start to consider the benefits of changing their behavior. However, before anyone can even think about making a change, they must first reach a point where they are open to the idea of change at all, which occurs during the precontemplation stage.