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Precontemplation in Couple and Family Therapy

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Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy

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Synonyms

Low readiness to change; Resistant; Unmotivated

Introduction and Theoretical Context

Stages of change represent a series of steps and tasks that assist in understanding the multidimensional nature of the process of intentional behavior change. According to the transtheoretical model (TTM), the process begins with an individual in precontemplation (not considering change) through contemplation (decision making), preparation (planning and committing), and action (making the change) to reach maintenance where the new behavior is sustained and integrated into one’s life (Prochaska and DiClemente 1984). When individuals in couples and family therapy need to make changes in behaviors, the stages can be helpful for understanding their readiness and motivation. Thus, assessing stage status enables therapists to match their approaches to meet the needs of clients in different stages. However, motivation may differ for different members of the couple or family system. Often family...

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Carlo C. DiClemente & Alicia E. Wiprovnick

Authors
  1. Carlo C. DiClemente
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  2. Alicia E. Wiprovnick
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlo C. DiClemente .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Jay L. Lebow

  2. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Anthony L. Chambers

  3. The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Douglas C. Breunlin

Section Editor information

  1. California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Sean Davis

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DiClemente, C.C., Wiprovnick, A.E. (2019). Precontemplation in Couple and Family Therapy. In: Lebow, J.L., Chambers, A.L., Breunlin, D.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_585

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