| dc.description.abstract | The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) is a self-report measure
assessing 4 stages of change (Precontemplation, Contemplation, Action, and
Maintenance). Research has shown that URICA can be a useful predictor of treatment
outcome in addictive disorders, as well as in panic- and anxiety disorders. However,
research on URICA as predictor of treatment outcome in Obsessive-Compulsive
disorder (OCD) patients has shown ambiguous results. The aim of the current study
was to investigate whether URICA predicts treatment dropout and treatment outcome
in OCD patients receiving Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). During ERP,
patients face feared situations and thoughts and learn to refrain from compulsive
behaviors.
In line with previous research on the subject, we hypothesized that URICA has
predictive value in estimating treatment dropout and completion in OCD patients
receiving ERP treatment, and that Precontemplation specifically would predict
dropout. Further, we hypothesized that URICA did not have predictive value in
estimating treatment outcome. The sample consisted of 108 patients diagnosed with
OCD, receiving ERP therapy. Our findings indicated that URICA has predictive value
in estimating treatment dropout. Higher scores on the Contemplation subscale
predicted that the patient would finish treatment. Precontemplation was not a
predictor of dropout. URICA did not have predictive value for treatment outcome, as
none of the subscales was related to OCD symptoms post-treatment. More research is
needed in order to develop more reliable and valid measures of motivation. | nb_NO |
