MrK Has Had Chronic Low Back Pain for Several Years

Mr.K has had chronic low back pain for several years.He has a sedentary life-style that includes office work and being a self-reported "TV junkie." His physician suggests physical therapy for exercise and management of his pain.Even though Mr.K schedules physical therapy, initially he does not think that exercises will help his pain.He does not associate his life-style with his low back pain and therefore does not consider making changes.After his first session with the physical therapist, Mr.K realizes that changes in his life-style and adding regular exercise may help decrease his low back pain.So he decides to continue physical therapy two times a week for 1 month as suggested.Following the first physical therapy session, Mr.K shows he is in which of the following stages of change associated with the transtheoretical model of behavioral change?

A) Contemplation
B) Preparation
C) Action
D) Maintenance