What it means
A behavior-change model describing five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Violence-intervention practitioners can use it to match support to a person's readiness instead of assuming everyone is prepared to change immediately.
ICM field application · illustrative
See how this idea helps with a decision
Here is an example to work through. The linked source explains the idea or guest account. The next move is ICM guidance.
- Where it shows up
- A worker treats a person declining an immediate referral as proof they will never accept help.
- A useful move
- Ask what change the person wants, what barriers make the offered step unusable, and what small next action they are ready to choose.
- What this does not prove
- Stages are a conversation aid, not a fixed diagnosis or a reason to withhold a needed service.
Follow the question
From this idea to a local decision
Use the part you need next. A guest’s account, research finding, local pattern, and implementation plan answer different questions.