What term refers to sustaining a newly changed behavior over time?

The term that refers to sustaining a newly changed behavior over time is maintenance. In the context of behavior change, maintenance signifies the stage where an individual continues to practice and adhere to the new behavior beyond the initial adoption phase. It is crucial for the long-term success of any lifestyle changes, such as improved dietary habits or increased physical activity.

Successful maintenance involves not just sticking with the new behavior, but also handling potential challenges or setbacks that may arise. Individuals who effectively maintain their behavior are often more likely to achieve lasting health benefits and maintain their overall well-being. This aspect of change emphasizes the importance of persistence and commitment in a person's health journey.

While long-term change suggests a broader timeframe in which a behavior may be sustained, maintenance specifically focuses on the ongoing efforts to keep a behavior in practice once it has been initiated. Stability and consistency may relate to predictability in behavior, but they do not capture the essence of the effort required to sustain a changed behavior over time.