Having the client self-monitor their diet and exercise is an intervention best suited for which stage of change?

• A. Action
• B. Contemplation
• C. Maintenance
• D. Preparation

Answer: (C)

Self-monitoring supports sustaining a new behavior over time and preventing relapse, which is central to the Maintenance stage. When a client consistently tracks what they eat and how much they exercise, they gain ongoing awareness of patterns, triggers, and progress, allowing them to adjust as needed and keep the new behavior integrated into daily life. While self-monitoring can also help during the initial adoption of a change, its continued use is most characteristic of Maintenance, where the goal is to solidify the change and prevent slipping back into old habits. The earlier stages focus more on readiness and planning, rather than the long-term upkeep of the behavior.