Stages of Multiple Behavior Change as a Function of Readiness for Substance Abuse Treatment Among Women at Risk

Based on a multidimensional stages-of-change model, the present work examines changes in readiness to modify several types of risk behaviors among women seeking to enter substance abuse treatment. These behaviors are: seeking mental health counseling, reducing risky sexual behaviors, reducing risk of physical violence, and improving vocational/educational skills. Participants (n = 261 women; 66.3% African American, 24.1% Latina, and 9.6% Caucasian) were assessed at baseline and an average of six months later. Results of a repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant increases in readiness for behavior change. The interaction between initial readiness to modify substance abuse behaviors and longitudinal change also was significant. Implications for designing programs to address the needs of women with multiple vulnerabilities are discussed.