A group based intervention for adolescents to improve motivation to change sexually abusive behaviour

This article describes a group based intervention for adolescents designed to improve motivation to change sexually abusive behaviour. The intervention is based upon the Prochaska and DiClemente (1983, 1986) stages of change model and Morrison’s (1998) seven steps in contemplating change model. We have combined these two models to produce “11 Steps of Motivation and Action in Changing Sexually Abusive Behaviour”. These 11 steps form the foundation of this intervention. We describe how we use the 11 steps, with accompanying vignettes describing juvenile sexual abusers at various points along the continuum of change, and question cards, to promote change. Examples of the vignettes are also provided along with a discussion of how they can be used to motivate change, develop healthy group norms in treatment, and set individual goals for clients. Finally we highlight the possibility of future applications of this intervention with male adult abusers, adolescent and adult female abusers, parents groups, significant other groups, individual clients, and children with sexually aggressive behaviour.