Pre-contemplation is a stage during the initial phases of addictive behavior characterized by ignorance of the effects of the behavior. During this stage, individuals have do not regard their actions as having problems, thus have no plans of undertaking any efforts towards behavior change at any near time in future (AAFP, 2000).
Characteristics/ Issues in Pre-contemplation Stage
The general characteristics expressed at this stage include:
- Denial
- Ignorance of problem
Goals and Helpful Strategies
The aim of behavioral therapy at this stage is to make people
- Accept the situation
- Move out of ignorance
The helpful strategies at this stage would include promoting focusing of people’s behavior through self-analysis and introspection. In addition, individuals should be made to understand the dangers of their current behavior.