During which stage do clients actively continue to use change strategies for an extended period?

The correct answer is the Maintenance stage because this is when clients have successfully made a change and are focused on sustaining that change over the long term. During this phase, individuals actively use strategies they have learned to prevent relapse and ensure that the changes they have made remain part of their lifestyle. This may involve ongoing behavioral adjustments, continued self-monitoring, and reinforcing supportive habits and environments that promote the new way of living.

In contrast, the Contemplation stage is characterized by clients thinking about making a change but not yet ready to take action. The Action stage involves the active implementation of strategies to change behaviors, but this phase is typically shorter-term compared to Maintenance. Similarly, the Precontemplation stage describes a lack of intention to change, where individuals may be unaware of their problem or are resistant to addressing it. Thus, the Maintenance stage is uniquely focused on the long-lasting application of change strategies.