Re: Prochaska, et. al.

[Lisa.M.Jones@xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Lisa M. Jones)]

I am working with Richard Gelles and Jody Brown to examine the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model with maltreating caregivers.  We are currenlty analyzing data from a preliminary instrument.  I don't have my copy of "Changing for Good" with me either but my understanding of "Precontemplation" is that either the individual does not believe there is a problem or has no intention to make any changes in the future regarding that problem.

We are using a questionnaire adapted from the original URICA which is a continuous measure of stage of change.  Thus, individuals recieve a score on each stage resulting in "score profiles".  An individual could recieve both a high score on "Precontemplation" and on "Action" suggesting that although they may be denying or minimizing the problem, they also feel they are working toward change.  In past applications of the model, (e.g., see Debbie Levesque's dissertation,  University of Rhode Island, 1998 for a great application of the model with batterers) this profile has been called "Non-reflective Action" and is hypothesized to be  a subgroup of Precontemplators.  

We will be very interested in looking at this subgroup in the current study and in future research.

Lisa M. Jones, M.A.
Doctoral Intern
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03766
lisa.m.jones@dartmouth.edu