The team is in the Contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model of Change. This stage is characterized by awareness that a problem exists and serious consideration of overcoming it, but without a specific commitment to action. The team's acknowledgment of the scheduling issue and their discussion of options, without having decided on a definitive solution, perfectly aligns with the weighing of pros and cons that occurs during Contemplation. They have moved past unawareness (Precontemplation) but are not yet planning concrete steps (Preparation).

B. Preparation: This stage involves intending to take action and developing a specific plan. The team has not yet determined a definitive solution, so they are not in the Preparation stage.

C. Action: This stage involves the active implementation of a plan and modification of behavior. The team is still discussing options and has not begun to implement any changes.

D. Precontemplation: In this stage, individuals are unaware of the problem and have no intention of changing. The team is explicitly aware of the problem and is actively discussing it.

1. Prochaska

J. O.

& Velicer

W. F. (1997). The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change. American Journal of Health Promotion

12(1)

38–48. In this foundational article

the Contemplation stage is defined as the period where individuals "are aware that a problem exists and are seriously thinking about overcoming it but have not yet made a commitment to take action" (p. 39).

2. Boston University School of Public Health. (n.d.). The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change). Behavioral and Social Sciences. Retrieved from https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangetheories6.html. The courseware defines the Contemplation stage as when a person "is intending to start the healthy behavior within the next 6 months" and is more aware of the pros of changing but also acutely aware of the cons. The scenario's team is weighing these options.

3. Lenio

J. A. (2006). The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change: A Guide for the Addictions Field. The Journal of Addictions Nursing

17(3)

149-156. https://doi.org/10.1080/10884600600855383. This review describes the Preparation stage as involving the development of "a realistic plan of action

" which the team in the scenario has not yet reached (p. 151).