precontemplation
- noun
- /ˌpriːˌkɒntɛmˈpleɪʃən/
- Specialized
:
precontemplación
- In the precontemplation stage of change, individuals often do not recognize the need to alter their behaviors.
- precontemplation stage
- participants in precontemplation
Examples
-
For example, precontemplation would refer to people who had not intended to quit smoking in the next six months (West, 2005).
Academic text (2011) -
Overall, 90% of participants were in precontemplation at baseline, with the proportion of participants in this stage declining with each year of age.
Academic text (2006) -
We examined patterns of movement for the 190 participants in precontemplation at time 1 by age and gender.
Academic text (2006) -
To further assess the demographic factors related to progression, we analyzed patterns of progression for all participants in precontemplation at baseline by race and gender.
Academic text (2006) -
Age was significantly related to baseline stage (Fisher's exact p = .0035), with the percentage of participants in precontemplation declining with each year of age.
Academic text (2006) -
Many smokers remain in precontemplation for years, unaware of the health risks of their habit.
-
During precontemplation, people tend to ignore advice about changing unhealthy habits like excessive drinking.
Antonyms
How Ready
19
3.6
∞
1.3
343
1.9
25
4.8
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
precontemplation = contemplation (semi-transparent) = pre + contemplat + ion
For learners who know 'contemplation', adding 'pre-' straightforwardly gives the meaning 'before contemplation'.
Etymology
The word precontemplation puts together pre- ('before') and contemplation (from contemplate, 'to think about' or 'consider'). So precontemplation means the time 'before thinking about change', when someone is not yet ready to try to change a habit.