Final answer:
The correct answer is 'c. You intend to take action within 6 months,' as this intention indicates a readiness to change, which is not a characteristic of the precontemplation stage in the transtheoretical model.
Step-by-step explanation:
The precontemplation stage of the transtheoretical model is characterized by a lack of awareness or denial of a problem behavior. Individuals in this stage do not recognize that their behavior is problematic (a. You do not recognize you have a problem behavior), may rationalize their behavior (b. You think trying to change a behavior is hopeless), or blame external factors for their behavior (d. You blame external factors for your problems). However, the intention to take action within a specific time frame, such as 6 months, is not a feature of the precontemplation stage. That intention is associated with later stages of the model, such as the contemplation or preparation stages.
The answer to the question "Which of the following is not included in the precontemplation stage of the transtheoretical model?" is c. You intend to take action within 6 months. This statement indicates a readiness to change, which is contrary to the characteristics of the precontemplation stage, in which individuals do not yet acknowledge the need for change.