The validity of the trans-theoretical model of behaviour change to investigate motivation to change among child molesters

Motivation for behaviour change is considered a crucial issue in the treatm ent 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 a s a framework to investigate motivation for behaviour change among child mo lesters. 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 gen erally, and by reviewing their relevance to child molesters. It is conclude d that the constructs of the Trans-theoretical Model of Behaviour Change ar e valid measures of motivation and have some general relevance to child mol esters. It is therefore concluded that they have some utility to investigat e motivation to change among child molesters. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.