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.