Which stage of the change model involves thinking about the benefits of changing behavior?

The stage of the change model that involves thinking about the benefits of changing behavior is indeed the contemplation stage. During this phase, individuals recognize that they may have a problem and start to weigh the pros and cons of making a change, contemplating the potential benefits that could arise from altering their behavior. This reflection is crucial, as it can motivate them to advance to the next stage, where they prepare to take action based on the insights gained from this self-assessment.

In contrast, the preparation stage is where individuals begin to plan for the change and may start taking small steps toward it, but they are not yet fully engaging in the evaluation of benefits. The action stage is characterized by the active implementation of changes, while the maintenance stage involves sustaining those changes over time after they have been implemented. Each of these stages plays a distinct role in the overall process of behavior change, but contemplation is specifically about recognizing and considering the advantages of making a change.