The Intersection of Therapy Constructs: The Relationship Between Motivation to Change, Distress, Referral Source, and Pressure to Attend

Keywords

psychotherapy, mental health treatment, motivation to change, therapy

Abstract

Psychotherapy is a generally effective form of mental health treatment, yet difficulties with engagement continue to plague the field. Poor outcomes, including premature termination, are more likely to be achieved by poorly motivated clients (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1992) and highly distressed individuals and couples (Tambling & Johnson, 2008). This study examined links between motivation to change, initial levels of distress, referral source, and pressure to attend therapy in an archival sample of 587 people who attended therapy. Results indicated a relationship between distress and motivation and between the perceived pressure felt by a client and motivation to change.

Original Publication Citation

Moore, L.E., Tambling, R.B., & Anderson, S.R. (2013). The intersection of therapy constructs: The relationship between motivation to change, distress, referral source, and pressure to attend. American Journal of Family Therapy, 41, 245-258. DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2012.685351.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013-04-17

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5303

Publisher

The American Journal of Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS