Readiness to change in alcohol-related illness : the role of perceived control, causal attributions and illness beliefs

This research thesis is based on an exploratory study that investigated the influence of health- and drinking-related factors on motivation to change drinking behaviour in alcohol-related illness. Key factors relevant to behavioural intentions to change were drawn together from health and substance-dependency literature. The aim was to demonstrate links between causal, control and efficacy beliefs and readiness to change. Specific hypotheses were proposed for relationships between causal attributions, perceived control, abstinence self-efficacy, health value, alcohol dependency and stage of change.;The study involved 33 male and female participants diagnosed with an alcohol-related illness. The sample included hospital in-patients and those seeking help from community agencies. Participants completed a semi-structured interview and six questionnaire measures, administered by the researcher. Relationships between variables were examined using bivariate analyses. The relative power of variables as predictors of readiness to change were examined using regression analysis.;Significant differences were found between those classified as 'ready to change' and those 'not ready to change' in terms of alcohol dependency and abstinence self-efficacy. Perceived dependency was a significant and strong predictor of readiness to change. Behavioural self-blame, perceived control, and health-value were not significantly related to readiness to change. No significant relationships were found between perceived control and either self-efficacy or behavioural self-blame. However, significant relationships were found between alcohol dependency and both abstinence self-efficacy and perceived control over illness.;The intensity, timing and type of intervention should be responsive to the motivational stage of the individual. The clinician needs to assess clients' beliefs about the nature of their drinking problem. Problem drinkers need knowledge about how to regulate their behaviour and firm belief in their personal efficacy to take effective action and personal control over outcomes.