Final answer:
The maintenance stage is the phase where an individual works to sustain new behaviors or revised belief systems, despite possible temptations to revert to old habits or cognitions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of change wherein you attempt to maintain a changed behavior is commonly referred to as the maintenance stage. This is a critical phase in the process of change because it involves continued commitment to sustaining new behaviors and avoiding relapses into previous behaviors. For example, someone who has stopped smoking might find themselves in the maintenance stage as they actively resist the temptation to smoke again. Similarly, when dealing with belief systems, old and comforting cognitions might be tenaciously held onto, and the effort to maintain new belief systems can feel like a betrayal to oneself or one's community. However, this is an essential part of the growth process, which can lead to healthier behaviors or more informed belief systems that are in line with current understanding or evidence.