Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

This article describes a model for change that draws upon motivational and cognitive-behavioural theories. It is suggested that maladaptive beliefs hold individuals captive in destructive self-perpetuating cycles dominated by the illness. In the context of a trusting therapeutic relationship, inquiry and experimentation can lead to the reformulation of maladaptive beliefs, and to the development, reprioritization and/or strengthening of higher values. A clear cohesive system of higher values allows individuals to make autonomous life decisions, which reduces the need for maladaptive coping strategies.

Keywords

eating disorders motivation readiness theory of change treatment nonnegotiables

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Brown, K.E. , Lockhart, A.L. , & Geller, J. (April, 2005). What to do when clients are ambivalent about change: Factors associated with increases in motivation . Poster presented at the Academy for Eating Disorders 2005 International Conference, MontrÈal, QuÈbec.

Fairburn, C.G. , Marcus, M.D. , & Wilson, G.W. (1993). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for binge eating and bulimia nervosa. In C.G. Fairburn & G.T. Wilson (Eds.), Binge eating: Nature, assessment, and treatment(pp. 361–404). New York: Guilford Press .

Garner, D.M. , Vitousek, K.B. , & Pike, K.M. (1996). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for anorexia nervosa. In D.M. Garner & P.E. Garfinkel (Eds.), Handbook of eating disorders(pp. 94–144). New York: Guilford Press .

Geller, J. (2002). Estimating readiness for change in anorexia nervosa: Comparing clients, clinicians, and research assessors . International Journal of Eating Disorders, 31, 251–260 .

Geller, J. , Cockell, C. ,& Drab, D.L. (2001). Assessing readiness for change in the eating disorders: The psychometric properties of the Readiness and Motivation Interview . Psychological Assessment, 13, 189–198 .

Geller, J. , Drab-Hudson, D. , Whisenhunt, B. ,& Srikameswaran, S. (2004). Readiness to change dietary restriction predicts outcomes in the eating disorders . Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, 12, 209–224 .

Miller, W.R. , & Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change. New York: Guilford Press .

Vitousek, K. , Watson, S. ,& Wilson, G.T. (1998). Enhancing motivation for change in treatment-resistant eating disorders . Clinical Psychology Review, 18, 391–420 .

Ward, A. , Troop, N. , Todd, G. ,& Treasure, J. (1996). To change or not to change: ‘How’ is the question? British Journal of Medical Psychology, 69, 139–146 .

Mechanisms of Action in the Process of Change: Helping Eating Disorder Clients Make Meaningful Shifts in Their Lives

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References