Browsing by Author "Gramani, Yogavathi"

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    An evaluation of the stages-of-change therapy programme for substance abuse
    (2007) Gramani, Yogavathi; Edwards, S.D.
    Alcohol abuse is recognized as one of the greatest health and social problems in South Africa, affecting both adults and adolescents alike. While there is a substantial amount of research about various aspects of adult alcohol use, only recently has attention been given to comprehensive and thorough evaluation in the adolescent population. However, there is a dearth of information as far as treatment is concerned. This research attempts to fill this hiatus in the research literature. The diverse etiological perspectives for understanding adolescent alcohol abuse most often offer partial, often one-dimensional views of this dynamic and pervasive problem. However, there is no single source of influence, or single developmental model that can explain acquisition of and recover}' from addictions. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of intentional behaviour change attempts to bring together the divergent perspectives by focusing on how individuals change behaviour and by identifying key change dimensions involved in this process. The Stages-of-Change treatment programme, based on the Transtheoretical Model, was the focus of this investigation. The programme was evaluated by a group of learners, educators and psychologists using a phenomenological approach. Process evaluation and appreciative inquiry methods were used to obtain qualitative data into their experiences of the programme. Themes that emerged from the analysis included the following: Knowledge/empowerment, transference of skills, positive group dynamics, cognitive and behavioural shifts, improved communication, flexibility, comprehensiveness and motivation. Participants also made several suggestions for improving the programme. Finally, the implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations are offered. It is hoped that the present study will not only contribute to a greater understanding of the treatment of adolescent substance abuse, but will also stimulate further research in this field.