STAGES AND PROCESSES OF CHANGE IN EATING DISORDERS - IMPLICATIONS FORTHERAPY

The aim of this study was to examine the trans-theoretical model of ch ange ig 51 anorexia nervosa and 58 bulimia nervosa patients attending a specialist clinic. Self-report questionnaires were completed as to t he stage of change, decisional balance, and processes of change before initial assessment, Of the BN patients 80% were in a stage of action compared to only half of the AN patients. There was a shift in decisio nal balance between the stages of change, The strong principle of chan ge was supported in that the pros of change were increased by over 1 s tandard deviation from precontemplation to action. The weak principle of change was not supported as there was less shift in the tons. Few p rocesses were used in precontemplation, self re-evaluation was increas ed in contemplation and self liberation in action. The trans-theoretic al model orb change appears to be applicable to patients with eating d isorders, These preliminary findings suggest ways in which therapy can be targeted to maximize the level of motivation and to promote change itself. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.