Predictors of Motivation for Change among Runaway Substance Abusing Youth

Abstract

Research consistently shows low motivation for change among adolescent samples, but little research identifies determinants of youth’s motivation for change. As a subpopulation of adolescents, runaway youth are significantly understudied. The dearth of information directing intervention efforts with this highly vulnerable population complicates treatment efforts. In this study, 141 substance abusing youth (between the ages of 12 to 17) were recruited from a runaway shelter in Columbus, Ohio, and predictors of motivation to change substance use were examined. It was expected that greater motivation for change would be predicted by family cohesion, being an older female, higher substance use, and recent experience in therapy. Findings indicated that recent experience in therapy, substance abuse, and age predicted motivation to change but gender and family cohesion did not. Because higher levels of motivation are associated with greater treatment success, identifying variables that are associated with motivation for change can be useful for enhancing motivation for change.