What is the primary emotion associated with the Maintenance phase of the TTM?

The primary emotion associated with the Maintenance phase of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) is distress. During this phase, individuals are focused on sustaining their behavior change over time and may experience distress as they confront challenges and temptations that could lead to relapse. This emotional state often arises from the pressure to maintain their progress, fear of slipping back into old habits, and the need for ongoing commitment to their new lifestyle. The Maintenance phase requires individuals to cope with these feelings while reinforcing their positive changes. This emotional aspect is critical, as managing distress effectively can help individuals stay on track and avoid reverting to previous behaviors. Recognizing and addressing distress is essential for supporting individuals in solidifying their new habits and ultimately achieving long-term success.