What does the term 'termination phase' in the TTM refer to?

The term 'termination phase' in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) refers to a stage where an individual is no longer tempted to return to old unhealthy behaviors. At this point, the person has completely adopted new behaviors and has gained confidence in their ability to maintain these changes indefinitely without fear of relapse. In essence, the termination phase represents a state of stability and resilience regarding the new lifestyle, indicating that the individual has not only changed their behavior but has also altered their identity and environment to support this change effectively.

The core characteristic of this phase is the absence of temptation to revert to previous unhealthy habits, which sets it apart from other stages of behavior change. In contrast, other stages focus on dealing with temptation (like action and maintenance) or even facing relapse. Recognizing this difference is critical in understanding the comprehensive nature of behavior change in the TTM.