1. Psychologists developed the Stages of Change Theory in 1982 to compare smokers in therapy and self-changers along a behaviour change continuum. The rationale behind "staging" people, as such, was to tailor therapy to a person's needs at his/her particular point in the change process. As a result, the four original components of the Stages of Change Theory (precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance) were identified and presented as a linear process of change. Since then, a fifth stage (preparation for action) has been incorporated into the theory, as well as ten processes that help predict and motivate individual movement across stages. In addition, the stages are no longer considered to be linear; rather, they are components of a cyclical process that varies for each individual. The stages and processes, as described by Prochaska, DiClemente and Norcross (1992), are listed below.

Precontemplation: Individual has the problem (whether he/she recognises it or not) and has no intention of changing.

Contemplation: Individual recognises the problem and is seriously thinking about changing.

Preparation for Action: Individual recognises the problem and intends to change the behaviour within the next month. Some behaviour change efforts may be reported, such as inconsistent condom usage. However, the defined behaviour change criterion has not been reached (i.e., consistent condom usage).

Action: Individual has enacted consistent behaviour change (i.e., consistent condom usage) for less than six months.

Maintenance: Individual maintains new behaviour for six months or more.