Psychotherapy: stages of change: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychotherapy: stages of change

Sample item

A smoker who says 'I know I should quit, and I might do so sometime in the next six months' is in which stage of the Prochaska-DiClemente model?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Contemplation

The stages are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and relapse. Contemplation is awareness of the problem with ambivalence and intention to change within about 6 months, and motivational interviewing is used to resolve ambivalence.

Option by option

  • A. Precontemplation

    In precontemplation the person has no intention to change.

  • B. Contemplation (correct)

    Correct. Ambivalent awareness with intent in the next 6 months is contemplation.

  • C. Maintenance

    Maintenance involves sustaining the change.

  • D. Action

    Action involves visible behaviour change.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Contemplation. The stages are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and relapse.

Why is "Precontemplation" not the answer?

In precontemplation the person has no intention to change.

Why is "Maintenance" not the answer?

Maintenance involves sustaining the change.

Why is "Action" not the answer?

Action involves visible behaviour change.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotherapy: stages of change in Psychiatry. Contemplation is awareness of the problem with ambivalence and intention to change within about 6 months, and motivational interviewing is used to resolve ambivalence.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychotherapy: stages of change?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.