Some experts in the field argue that "Stages of Change" is not based on scientific evidence... anyway its a process.....therefore when you are in higher stages you will have higher degrees of attributes concerned?

Whereas I agree that self efficacy may be the highest in the maintenance stage, however, I am ambivalent  about this for intention. It has been found that changing from pre-contemplation to contemplation stage usually involves use of 'if-then' interventions. It means that intention to bring about behaviour change should be the basic factor for stage transitions involving these stages. It might also mean that change in behavioural intentions may be the highest during this stage transition.

Further, in maintenance stage, a previously acquired behaviour is maintained - which does need a lot of intention, However, whether intention is highest in pre-contemplative to contemplative stage transition or during maintenance is a matter that should be further investigated. 

I also feel that intention should not be taken as a variable that increases continuously or cumulatively [like knowledge], but should be something that is based on the strength of its results or something that varies discretely. 

I think it depends on the intention or self-efficacy you are referring to. Sometimes people use motivation and intention interchangeably. From this viewpoint, it is expected that those in the maintenance stage are more motivated than those in the pre-contemplation stage who have not even thought about making changes. However, the intention to implement some changes is different from the intention to maintain implemented changes. The same applies to self-efficacy. Some may perceive themselves capable of implementing some changes but not to recovery from relapses (recovery efficacy). .

Dear Richard,

You might be interested in the attached articles

Kind regards,

Julian

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21171799

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20533010

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20547760

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21722003

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21890843

Bandura describes self-efficacy as a very fluid concept. It can fluctuate depending on events occurring in the life of an individual at any given time. Therefore, it can be independent of whatever stage of change an individual happens to be in at the time. There is research to support monitoring self-efficacy as it fluctuates in persons who have completed treatment for alcohol abuse, since drops in self-efficacy score can indicate impending relapse.

Yes, I agree with many of the other respondents.  I believe it would be more a case of self-efficacy than intention as in maintenance the issue is really not intention but maintaining what you have achieved-and this would involve maintaining and perhaps even strengthening your self efficacy to do so.