title: Readiness-to-change cluster profiles among adults with mental illness who were homeless participating in a life skills intervention.
abstract: This longitudinal study examined differences in intervention outcomes based on readiness-to-change cluster profiles among 73 adults with a mental illness at risk for homelessness participating in a manualized life skills intervention. Intervention topics included money management, food management, safe community participation, and room- and self-care. Life skill knowledge and readiness-to-change, measured using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, was examined at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-6 months later. Two scoring patterns emerged for readiness-to-change at each time point: Pre-Engaged and Engaged. Participants who were Engaged at the time of assessment scored significantly better than Pre-Engaged on post-intervention life skill testing, however group identification changed over time. Baseline readiness-to-change did not predict future performance or attrition, and therefore may not provide accurate indication of client investment for future learning or participation. Further investigation is needed to determine what factors contribute to Engaged membership.
authors.affiliation: College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA. helfrich@bu.edu
authors.forename: Christine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Helfrich
authors.forename: Dara V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Emily K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sabol
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009042:Motivation; D062405:Motivational Interviewing; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012917:Social Adjustment; D055815:Young Adult