In the transtheoretical model of behavior change, which stage describes a patient who has been consistently practicing yoga for 4 months?

In the transtheoretical model of behavior change, the stage that describes a patient who has been consistently practicing yoga for 4 months is the Action stage. This phase is characterized by overt actions taken by an individual to modify their behavior. During this stage, an individual actively engages in behaviors that are intended to change their lifestyle.

Since the patient has been practicing yoga consistently for a significant duration of 4 months, this indicates that they are not only aware of the benefits of yoga but have also committed to the practice as part of their routine. The Action stage typically lasts from several months up to around six months, during which individuals work towards implementing and sustaining the new behavior.

In contrast, the other stages represent different points on the continuum of behavior change. Contemplation involves thinking about change without taking action, Preparation is where individuals start to develop a plan for change or have made small changes, and Maintenance is characterized by sustaining the behavior for a longer period (usually more than six months) and working to prevent relapse. Thus, the patient's 4-month commitment places them firmly in the Action stage of the model.