During which stage in the transtheoretical model are individuals at the highest risk of relapse?

In the transtheoretical model, individuals in the action stage are indeed at the highest risk of relapse. This stage is characterized by individuals actively engaging in new behaviors for less than six months. While they are making significant changes and have often made observable progress, the new behaviors are not yet fully ingrained as habits.

This transitional phase can be quite challenging as the individual must overcome established habits and potential environmental triggers that may lead them back to previous behaviors. External factors such as stress, social pressures, and feelings of discomfort associated with change can contribute to a relapse during this time.

In contrast, other stages such as maintenance involve individuals who have integrated the new behaviors for more than six months and are more stable in their commitment to these changes, which greatly reduces their risk of relapse.