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The validity of the trans‐theoretical model of behaviour change to investigate motivation to change among child molesters
Author(s) -
Tierney David W.,
McCabe Marita P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/cpp.285
Subject(s) - psychology , relevance (law) , social psychology , developmental psychology , law , political science
Motivation for behaviour change is considered a crucial issue in the treatment of sex offenders, including child molesters. However, there has been no systematic investigation of this issue. This paper reviews the validity of the constructs of the Trans‐theoretical Model of Behaviour Change to act as a framework to investigate motivation for behaviour change among child molesters. Constructs within this theory are the Stages of Change, Processes of Change and Decisional Balance. The utility of these constructs to act as a framework to investigate motivation among child molesters is assessed by reviewing their utility as measures of motivation for behaviour change generally, and by reviewing their relevance to child molesters. It is concluded that the constructs of the Trans‐theoretical Model of Behaviour Change are valid measures of motivation and have some general relevance to child molesters. It is therefore concluded that they have some utility to investigate motivation to change among child molesters. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.