Mary shows intent to set a quit date. Which stage of change is she demonstrating?

Mary is demonstrating the Preparation stage of change, which is characterized by individuals who have made a commitment to change their behavior and are actively planning for it. In this stage, individuals typically have decided to take action within the near future, often within the next month. By showing intent to set a quit date, Mary is taking the necessary steps to prepare for quitting, indicating that she is ready to transition from thinking about quitting to actually planning how to accomplish it.

In the context of the other stages, the Pre-contemplation stage involves individuals who are not yet considering change and may be unaware of the need to quit. The Contemplation stage consists of individuals who are aware of the benefits of quitting but have not yet committed to taking any specific action. The Action stage is when a person is actively engaging in the behaviors required to quit, such as using cessation methods or support systems. Therefore, Mary's intent to set a quit date is a clear indicator of her being in the Preparation stage.