University Of Rhode Island Change Assessment Research Articles

Songwriting versus recreational music therapy in adults with alcohol use disorder: A cluster-randomized study measuring readiness to change

ABSTRACT Background There is a lack of studies differentiating music therapy interventions by measuring potential between-group differences and within-group improvements in detoxification settings. Objective The purpose of the study was to compare group motivational-educational songwriting (MESW) and group recreational music therapy (RMT) as measured by readiness to change in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who were hospitalized on a detoxification unit. Method Participants were 91 adults with AUD on a detoxification unit who were cluster-randomized by session to a single group MESW or group RMT session. Participants completed the 24-item University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) at pre- and posttest. Results Two-way repeated measures analyses of variance indicated significant within-group improvements from pre- to posttest in measures of contemplation, action, and total readiness to change. Although between-group differences did not reach significance, posttest means were consistently more favorable in the MESW condition. Conclusions Despite the temporal challenges of single sessions that are often the norm in detoxification settings, MESW and RMT may be ideal psychosocial treatments to augment people’s readiness to change and ultimately result in a higher likelihood of recovery. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.

Violence in intimate relationships: Symptomatology and motivation for change.

This study aimed to analyze the experiences of victims of violence in intimate relationships (VIRs) who remain in, return to, or abandon the abusive relationship, as well as examine the type of violence suffered, the existing symptoms, and the motivation to change as explained by the Transtheoretical Model of Change. The participants were 38 victims, three males and 35 females, who completed an online questionnaire comprising a section on sociodemographic data, and three instruments, the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20), Marital Violence Inventory (MVI), and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Data analysis has shown that psychological violence was the type of violence most frequently experienced followed by physical and verbal violence, the house of the victims was the local where the violence mostly took place, the help-seeking behaviors were mostly directed to the family and attempts to leave from the abusive relationship is related to the experience of family violence in childhood. Participants were all in the action stage of the change, but aggressor's expectation/promise to change, the existence of children and maintaining the family or marriage, as well as economic difficulties are the main factors that contribute to both remaining in, or returning to, the abusive relationship. We will reflect on the social, clinical, and legal implications for the future of research with victims of VIR. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing the use of the transtheoretical model to manage referrals in mental health services

Purpose The transtheoretical model (TTM) has been applied to varying areas of physical health, e.g. diabetes. However, research into its applicability to psychotherapy is mixed. The TTM is applied through the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Investigating the utility of the URICA is needed to improve patient care and outcomes. This study aims to assess whether the URICA scores relate to patient outcomes; patient attendance; practitioner ratings of patient readiness, appropriateness, insight, motivation and potential for improvement; and to explore practitioner’s perspectives on the URICA. Design/methodology/approach Correlational methods were used to assess the relationship between the URICA and therapeutic outcome, attendance and practitioner-rated areas. Content analysis was used to analyse practitioner qualitative data. Findings The URICA did not correlate with either therapeutic outcome or attendance. A significant negative correlation was found between the URICA and practitioner-rated appropriateness of the referral. This means practitioners perceived individuals with lower URICA scores to be a more appropriate referral, despite the score indicating a reduced readiness to change. Qualitative categories included positive views, negative views, ambivalence and changes to measure and process. To conclude, the URICA does not explain a patient’s outcome or attendance. The URICA may not be appropriate to use in its current format in mental health services; therefore, assessing the TTM verbally may be more helpful. Originality/value This study provides research into suitability of using the URICA to assess the TTM and its applicability to attendance and outcome in psychological therapies.

Change motivation and mindfulness in individual psychotherapy: Examining a sample of adult outpatients with depression and/or anxiety.

Existing literature has demonstrated that both motivation to change and mindfulness are associated with therapy outcomes in samples with mental disorders. Between the constructs of mindfulness and motivation to change occurs some theoretical-related and empirical overlap. However, it is still little known about the association of these two constructs. For this reason, we investigated the relationship of motivation to change and mindfulness in a sample of 116 adult outpatients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety. An outpatient sample of 116 depressive and/or anxious patients filled in the German short version of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA-S) and the German version of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) before the start of cognitive-behavioral therapy (pre) and after the 25th cognitive-behavioral therapy session (post). To assess the association between change motivation and mindfulness, we calculated correlations, hierarchical regressions and cross-lagged panel models (CLPM). Several positive and negative significant correlations at the premeasurement time point, at the postmeasurement time point, and over time (from pre to postmeasurement time point) demonstrated a relation between the KIMS and the URICA-S. Hierarchical regression analyses and CLPM pointed towards relations between mindfulness and change motivation over time and in both directions for some subscales of the KIMS and the URICA-S. A bidirectional relation between motivation to change and mindfulness was supported in our naturalistic psychotherapy setting for several subscales. For a better understanding of the interconnection between the two constructs, future research should focus on the application of interventions to improve either mindfulness or motivation to change in psychotherapy. Additionally, the interactional effects of mindfulness and change motivation on therapy outcomes should be investigated.

Coping self-efficacy and social support as predictors of adolescent sex trafficking exit: Results of a secondary analysis.

Social work case management services are increasingly available to youth who want to exit commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). However, few empirical studies investigate the efficacy of such services, particularly whether these services promote an exit from CSE. Guided by ecological systems theory and the Intentions to Exit Prostitution (IEP) model, this study investigates the efficacy of social work case management services for youth CSE survivors. Youth survivors of CSE (n = 95) participated in a one-group, quasi-experimental double pre/posttest design study. Measures included the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (Cop-SE), and a modified version of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) surveys at zero- and six-months following study commencement. The research team also collected demographic and victimization data, the number and type of social work case management services received, and goal plan data. Analyses included repeated measures tests and linear and multinomial logistic regressions to determine if doses of social work case management are predictive of the positive short-term outcomes that are linked to increased readiness to exit CSE. Youth CSE survivors experienced upward trends in perceived social support and coping self-efficacy scores between zero- and six-months following study commencement. Linear and logistic regressions demonstrated that variables like months of service time, trafficking classification, goal counts, race, and age can predict outcomes like survivor social support, coping self-efficacy, and intention to change behaviors that can lead to revictimization. Results suggest social work case management services that improve coping self-efficacy and perceived social support can lead to cognitive changes that promote an exit from CSE. Practitioners should target services that adhere to dimensions of the IEP as these improvements are likely to support positive outcomes for youth survivors of CSE.

Feasibility of a remotely monitored blood alcohol concentration device to facilitate treatment motivation

BackgroundConsistent monitoring of blood alcohol concentration through breathalyzers is critical for identifying reoccurrence. Little research has effectively utilized convenient wireless enabled breathalyzers that can measure blood alcohol concentration while enhancing treatment motivation for outpatient care. The current study attempted to understand the impact of wireless breathalyzers on treatment motivation and self-efficacy in remaining sober for individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder in an outpatient treatment facility. MethodsParticipants were assigned to one of two conditions: the experimental breathalyzer and the treatment as usual group. The groups were assessed by the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA), and on self-efficacy, measured by the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASE). The evaluation period took place over three months with a six-week follow-up evaluation. During the entirety of the evaluation period and post-study follow up, interviews occurred. ResultsAs a secondary analysis, the URICA's motivational scores were higher for participants receiving the experimental intervention at a two-month evaluation and at the six-week follow-up. The AASE's temptation to reoccurrence scores significantly reduced over time for both groups. The confidence to resist temptation was not significant. Three major themes emerged from the interviews, including the benefit of the breathalyzer facilitating their treatment, ease of device use, and technical issues. ConclusionsThe insights gained from this study will be important to develop cost-effective ancillary interventions for comprehensive alcohol dependence treatment. On-going monitoring enabled by new technology allows treatment providers to take an individualized disease-management approach as well as facilitating timely interventions by the treatment provider.

Measuring Readiness to Change Substance Use, Alcohol Use, and Cannabis Use: An Experimental Manipulation of Cognitive Effort

Background: The Transtheoretical Model supports that readiness to change should predict actual substance-related behavior change. This relationship is surprisingly modest. Across several behavioral domains, individuals tend to have unrealistic expectations regarding the amount of effort and time required to successfully change one’s behaviors, dubbed the False Hope Syndrome. Objectives: Based on False Hope Syndrome, we expect the standard method of measuring self-reported readiness to change is overestimated. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally manipulated level of cognitive effort prior to completing readiness to change measures. College students from a large southwestern university who reported using substances in the past 30 days (n = 345) were recruited from a psychology department participant pool and randomized to one of three conditions: 1) standard, low effort condition, 2) medium effort condition (selected likes/dislikes of substance use and negative consequences of changing one’s use), and 3) high effort condition (also provided written responses to how they would handle difficult situations related to changing their substance use). We conducted one-way ANOVAs with Tukey post-hoc comparisons to examine differences on three measures of readiness to change: the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale as well as readiness and motivation rulers. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, all significant statistical tests supported higher cognitive effort conditions reporting higher readiness to change. Although effect sizes were modest, higher cognitive effort appeared to increase self-reported readiness to change substance use. Conclusions: Additional work is needed to test how self-reported readiness to change relates to actual behavior change when assessed under the different effort conditions.

Online dialectical behavioral therapy for adults with internet addiction: A quasi-experimental trial during the COVID-19 pandemic

The pathological use of the Internet has surged during the pandemic, even though service provisions were negatively impacted. Telepsychiatry can be used as a solution to maintain psychiatric addiction services. This study examined the efficacy of online group dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for Internet addiction (IA), compared to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Participants were divided into two arms for 8 weeks: the experimental arm received eight sessions of online DBT skill group training (n = 20), and the control arm received four sessions of online individual CBT (n = 20). All participants were required to complete a sociodemographic and Internet use survey, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). All participants completed the therapy. Of the 40 participants, six (15%) perceived the need for therapy and one (2.5%) participant had a history of seeking IA therapy. In the pre-post comparison, significant improvements were noted in the IAT and URICA scores as well as Internet use duration for both arms. No significant differences were observed across the arms and in the time-by-arm interaction. Online group DBT is a viable alternative to online CBT in an acute constrained setting, although further studies are required to scrutinize its long-term efficacy.Trial Registration: ISRCTN17273762

Does individual advocacy work?: A research and evaluation protocol for a youth anti-sex trafficking program.

Thousands of youth are sexually trafficked each year worldwide. Increased public attention to the commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children has resulted in the rapid deployment of hybrid community public health and social service programs for these vulnerable youth. Research on the effectiveness of these advocacy programs is lacking, particularly whether they decrease psychosocial distress and increase readiness to leave CSE. Cisgender girls under age 18 at the time of CSE, and who were identified as at-risk for sex trafficking revictimization, were included in an evaluation of an anti-trafficking advocacy program in the North Texas region of the United States. The program includes crisis response, case management, referral, and mentoring services in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team (MDT) responses to identified youth sex trafficking. Case management notes, needs assessments and individualized treatment plans were collected at intake and every 30 days until study conclusion. Standardized surveys, including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale, and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) were collected at intake and every 180 days until the study concluded. Analyses included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, chi-square, multivariate linear and logistic regressions, Poisson regressions, and latent profile analysis. This study was approved by the Texas Christian University's Institutional Review Board (IRB). Results of this study will be presented to the scientific community at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals and non-scholarly outlets such as public health and social service conferences.

Relationship between the Level of Motivation and Personality Disorder in Patients with Opioid Dependence Syndrome.

Background:The relationship between the level of motivation and personality disorder (PD) in patients with opioid dependence syndrome is understudied.Method:A cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutively selected 100 adult inpatients with opioid dependence syndrome. All participants were assessed on ICD-10-AM Symptom Checklist for Mental Disorders, University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA), Stage of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES 8D), International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE), and Severity of Opioid Dependence Questionnaire (SODQ).Results:Most patients expressed the level of motivation at contemplation level, medium level of recognition for the need for change, and high levels of ambivalence and taking steps for change. PD was diagnosed in 40% of the patients. The most common PD identified was dissocial, followed by an emotionally unstable personality disorder-impulsive type. There was no statistically significant difference in URICA, SOCRATES 8D, or SODQ scores in opioid-dependent patients with and without PDs. Patients with severe opioid dependence reported higher readiness to change.Conclusion:Most of the patients with opioid dependence syndrome presenting for treatment are at the contemplation level of motivation. More than one-third of patients with opioid dependence syndrome have PD. A diagnosis of comorbid PD is unrelated to the level of motivation in patients with opioid dependence syndrome. Further multicentric research on personality and PD in a diverse sociocultural population with opioid use disorders is needed.

Applying the Rasch Model to the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment

ABSTRACTPurpose: Measuring readiness for change is an important part of the treatment planning process for individuals with addiction and co-occurring disorders. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) is a commonly used instrument in conjunction with motivational interviewing and has been endorsed by federal and several state substance abuse agencies. This study provides an alternative to classical test theory in determining the extent to which the URICA measures the complex concept of motivation for change in determining the stage of change of participants.Method: The Rasch model analysis was used to determine model-fit of the URICA in measuring motivation for change among participants (N=256) in a web-based recovery program.Results: The URICA did not exhibit model-fit. Items do not provide a step-wise difficulty level in measuring motivation for change. Category responses did not support a clear distribution between categories and responses.Discussion: Findings suggest that significant adaptations to the instrument are needed to ensure the specificity of items and discrete endorsement of more specific motivational factors among individuals seeking aftercare services.Conclusion: It is vital that social workers utilize standardized measures to support clinical decision-making. While the URICA is a commonly used instrument to measure motivation for change, the Rasch analysis supported findings from other analyses that the URICA failed to adequately predict motivation for change among participants.

Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale in Overweight and Obesity's Psychometric Properties (SOCRATES-OO).

The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) in the context of overweight and obesity. The instrument was investigated in a non-probabilistic sample of 177 individuals who were overweight or obese. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed in order to provide evidence based on the internal consistency of the SOCRATES-OO scale with three correlated factors and two correlated factors. In addition, the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) raw score was used to provide evidence in terms of convergent validity by its correlation with the domains of the best SOCRATES-OO solution. According to CFA, the theoretical solution with two correlated factors provided a better statistical fit. The psychometric evaluation of the 19 items of SOCRATES-OO presented a good fit under the two-factor model and satisfactory internal consistency by Omega of AMREC (Ambivalence + Recognition) 0.924 and Action 0.942.

Measuring motivation to change in community mental health: A Program Evaluation

A program evaluation of a community outpatient mental health program was conducted as part of a required course in Spalding University’s School of Professional Psychology. Specifically, the program evaluation examined how the client-specific factors of motivation to change were related to attendance and participation in services. Motivation to change was assessed by surveying program participants utilizing the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Students hypothesized stage of change would be significantly correlated with attendance rates. Results indicate stage of change was related to attendance, with pre-contemplation scores negatively associated with attendance although most of the specific analyses were not statistically significant. Students’ experiences and feedback regarding conducting the program evaluation are discussed.

Motivational Stage Analysis of Patients with Behavioral Dysphonia

Objective: To analyze the applicability of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA)-VOICE scale before and after a therapeutic program for functional balance in voice production. Patients and Methods: The sample comprised 26 adult participants (18 female) from the ­Brazilian Public Healthcare System. The URICA-VOICE scale was applied prior to the intervention and after 10 sessions of a therapeutic program. Results: The motivational stage values were significantly increased after the intervention compared with the first application of the scale. Precontemplation and action were the stages most commonly reported by the participants. Significant differences were found in 6 statements of the URICA-VOICE scale after voice therapy. Conclusions: The motivational stage of the participants improved after voice therapy. Being motivated is important for adherence to behavioral changes regarding the voice, and this study shows that using the URICA-VOICE scale in clinical practice is essential to measure patient performance in the voice therapy process, as well as to determine the ideal moment of discharge.

PRECONDITIONS FOR ENHANCING SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS SERVING NON-CUSTODIAL SENTENCES

The paper focuses on the issue of socio-educational assistance to people prone to criminal behavior, unrelated to the use of psychoactive substances, and serving non-custodial sentences in the Probation Department of Klaipėda Regional Probation Service. It comments on the results of the behavioural correction programme Behaviour-Conversation-Change (BCC) applied to the individuals serving non-custodial sentences. The research was based on the quantitative research strategy. The participants of the research were individuals prone to criminal behavior, unrelated to the use of psychoactive substances, and serving non-custodial sentences in the Probation Department of Klaipėda Regional Probation Service. In the period from 2012 to 2017, 233 respondents took part in the research. The changes in the respondents' motivation were recorded by means of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) 32-item measure, designed to evaluate four key components: precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance (McConnaughy, Prochaska, Velicer, 1983). The changes were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the programme. As proved by the findings, the impact of the Behaviour-Conversation-Change programme was positive at the precontemplation and the action stages. The results achieved in the application of the Behaviour-Conversation-Change programme meaningfully differed, given the officers' approach to the programme.

Examining Trauma and Readiness to Change among Women in a Community Re-Entry Program

ABSTRACTBackground: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among women who are incarcerated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trauma and readiness to change substance use behaviors. Methods: This study used data from 103 participants enrolled in a residential re-entry program for women with SUDs and trauma history. Women reporting clinically elevated Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) subscale scores were compared to those without elevated scores on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) readiness to change instrument. Primary analyses included t-tests and ANCOVA to control for age and ethnicity. Results: In general, women with clinically elevated trauma scores also reported greater readiness to change. The analyses revealed significant differences on the URICA Readiness to Change scores between women who had elevated Defensive Avoidance and Impaired Self-Reference according to the TSI. Results approached significance for women who had elevated TSI subscale scores for Sexual Concerns and Dissociation. Conclusions: These results point to a need to further understand links between trauma and readiness to change, particularly, the role of posttraumatic growth and psychological distress. This study has implications for social workers and clinicians delivering evidence-based treatment. Women who had high trauma symptoms were more willing to address change. Findings also suggest a need to tailor interventions to include motivational components that are also trauma-informed.

Acceptance of internet-based hearing healthcare among adults who fail a hearing screening

Objective: This study measured help-seeking readiness and acceptance of existing internet-based hearing healthcare (IHHC) websites among a group of older adults who failed a hearing screening (Phase 1). It also explored the effects of brief training on participants’ acceptance of IHHC (Phase 2). Study sample: Twenty-seven adults (age 55+) who failed a hearing screening participated. Design: During Phase 1 participants were administered the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) and patient technology acceptance model (PTAM) Questionnaire. During Phase 2 participants were randomly assigned to a training or control group. Training group participants attended an instructional class on existing IHHC websites. The control group received no training. The PTAM questionnaire was re-administered to both groups 4–6 weeks following the initial assessment. Results: The majority of participants were either considering or preparing to do something about their hearing loss, and were generally accepting of IHHC websites (Phase 1). The participants who underwent brief IHHC training reported increases in hearing healthcare knowledge and slight improvements in computer self-efficacy (Phase 2). Conclusions: Older adults who fail hearing screenings may be good candidates for IHHC. The incorporation of a simple user-interface and short-term training may optimize the usability of future IHHC programs for this population.

Measuring motivation using the transtheoretical (stages of change) model: A follow-up study of people who failed an online hearing screening

Objective: Acceptance and readiness to seek professional help have shown to be important factors for favourable audiological rehabilitation outcomes. Theories from health psychology such as the transtheoretical (stages-of-change) model could help understand behavioural change in people with hearing impairment. In recent studies, the University of Rhode Island change assessment (URICA) has been found to have good predictive validity. Design: In a previous study, 224 Swedish adults who had failed an online hearing screening completed URICA and two other measures of stages of change. This follow-up aimed to: (1) determine prevalence of help-seeking at a hearing clinic and hearing aid uptake, and (2) explore the predictive validity of the stages of change measures by a follow-up on the 224 participants who had failed a hearing screening 18 months previously. Study sample: A total of 122 people (54%) completed the follow-up online questionnaire, including the three measures and questions regarding experience with hearing help-seeking and hearing aid uptake. Results: Since failing the online hearing screening, 61% of participants had sought help. A good predictive validity for a one-item measure of stages of change was reported. Conclusions: The Staging algorithm was the stages of change measure with the best ability to predict help-seeking 18 months later.

Description of Adults Seeking Hearing Help for the First Time According to Two Health Behavior Change Approaches: Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) and Health Belief Model.

Several models of health behavior change are commonly used in health psychology. This study applied the constructs delineated by two models-the transtheoretical model (in which readiness for health behavior change can be described with the stages of precontemplation, contemplation and action) and the health belief model (in which susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action are thought to determine likelihood of health behavior change)-to adults seeking hearing help for the first time. One hundred eighty-two participants (mean age: 69.5 years) were recruited following an initial hearing assessment by an audiologist. Participants' mean four-frequency pure-tone average was 35.4 dB HL, with 25.8% having no hearing impairment, 50.5% having a slight impairment, and 23.1% having a moderate or severe impairment using the World Health Organization definition of hearing loss. Participants' hearing-related attitudes and beliefs toward hearing health behaviors were examined using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) and the health beliefs questionnaire (HBQ), which assess the constructs of the transtheoretical model and the health belief model, respectively. Participants also provided demographic information, and completed the hearing handicap inventory (HHI) to assess participation restrictions, and the psychosocial impact of hearing loss (PIHL) to assess the extent to which hearing impacts competence, self-esteem, and adaptability. Degree of hearing impairment was associated with participation restrictions, perceived competence, self-esteem and adaptability, and attitudes and beliefs measured by the URICA and the HBQ. As degree of impairment increased, participation restrictions measured by the HHI, and impacts of hearing loss, as measured by the PIHL, increased. The majority of first-time help seekers in this study were in the action stage of change. Furthermore, relative to individuals with less hearing impairment, individuals with more hearing impairment were at more advanced stages of change as measured by the URICA (i.e., higher contemplation and action scores relative to their precontemplation score), and they perceived fewer barriers and more susceptibility, severity, benefits and cues to action as measured by the HBQ. Multiple regression analyses showed participation restrictions (HHI scores) to be a highly significant predictor of stages of change explaining 30% to 37% of the variance, as were duration of hearing difficulty, and perceived benefits, severity, self-efficacy and cues to action assessed by the HBQ. The main predictors of stages of change in first-time help seekers were reported participation restrictions and duration of hearing difficulty, with constructs from the health belief model also explaining some of the variance in stages of change scores. The transtheoretical model and the health belief model are valuable for understanding hearing health behaviors and can be applied when developing interventions to promote help seeking.

Stages of Change Profiles among Adults Experiencing Hearing Difficulties Who Have Not Taken Any Action: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that adults experiencing hearing difficulties who are aware of their difficulties but have not taken any action would fall under contemplation and preparation stages based on the transtheoretical stages-of-change model. The study employed a cross-sectional design. The study was conducted in United Kingdom and 90 participants completed University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale as well as measures of self-reported hearing disability, self-reported anxiety and depression, self-reported hearing disability acceptance, and provided additional demographic details online. As predicted, the results indicate that a high percentage of participants (over 90%) were in the contemplation and preparation stages. No statistically significant differences were observed among groups of stage with highest URICA scores and factors such as: years since hearing disability, self-reported hearing disability, self-reported anxiety and depression, and self-reported hearing disability acceptance. Cluster analysis identified three stages-of-change clusters, which were named as: decision making (53% of sample), participation (28% of sample), and disinterest (19% of sample). Study results support the stages-of-change model. In addition, implications of the current study and areas for future research are discussed.