Motivational patterns of alcohol dependent patients: a replication.

This study attempted to replicate the results of F. W. Willoughby and J. F. Edens (1996), who identified motivational subtypes of alcohol-dependent veterans on the basis of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (McConnaughy, Prochaska, & Velicer, 1983). Using cluster analysis, 2 subgroups were delineated that corresponded to the precontemplation (n = 63) and contemplation-action (n = 99) stages of change. Theoretically consistent differences on various dependent (i.e., nonclustering) variables were also replicated. Patients in the precontemplation cluster reported being less concerned over their drinking and less receptive to help, and they acknowledged fewer mood-enhancing benefits of alcohol use. Unlike prior findings, motivational profiles were also associated with treatment outcome, with precontemplation-stage patients being less likely to complete treatment successfully.