When a person is ambivalent about changing, what stage of change are they likely in?

When a person expresses ambivalence about changing their behavior, they are likely in the contemplation stage of change. This stage is characterized by individuals who are aware of the need to change but have not yet committed to taking action. They may feel torn between the desire to change and the reasons that hold them back, leading to uncertainty about how to proceed.

During the contemplation stage, individuals typically weigh the pros and cons of making a change. They might acknowledge the benefits of changing their behavior, such as improved health or well-being, but also recognize the challenges or discomfort that the change may impose. This internal conflict is what defines the ambivalence seen in this stage.

In contrast, the precontemplation stage involves a lack of awareness or denial about the need for change, where individuals do not recognize their behavior as problematic. The preparation stage follows contemplation where individuals start planning and taking initial small steps toward change. The action stage involves actively making changes and implementing strategies to achieve their goals. Therefore, recognizing ambivalence strongly aligns with being in the contemplation stage, where the decision-making process is still ongoing.