What stage of change indicates a person is not ready to change behavior?

The correct choice is pre-contemplation, which represents a stage where an individual is not yet considering change. At this point, they may be unaware of the need for change or feel that their behavior does not need adjustment. This stage is crucial in understanding a person's readiness to change, as it identifies those who may benefit from increased awareness and education about the issues related to their behavior.

In contrast, the preparation stage involves the individual being ready to take action and make plans for change, while the action stage indicates that a person is actively making changes to their behavior. Lastly, contemplation is a stage where individuals recognize their problematic behavior and begin to think about making changes but have not yet committed to taking action. Understanding these distinctions helps professionals tailor their approaches to effectively support individuals at different stages.