What is a characteristic of the contemplation stage?

In the context of behavioral change models, the contemplation stage is characterized by the client having an awareness of their issues and a growing interest in exploring potential changes. At this stage, individuals typically recognize that they have a problem but have not yet committed to making changes. They may start to weigh the pros and cons of change, leading to increased curiosity about what changes could look like and how those changes could benefit them.

This stage is marked by a desire for information and consideration, rather than immediate action or full acceptance of the issues. Therefore, the client’s interest in learning more about potential changes is a defining feature of this stage, as it reflects their mental engagement with the idea of change without having yet resolved to actively pursue it.