Scale-Description

The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale – Alcohol Version (URICA-SAV) is a psychometric tool designed to assess an individual’s readiness to change their behavior regarding alcohol consumption. The scale is based on the Stages of Change Model by Prochaska and DiClemente and has been adapted specifically for issues related to alcohol abuse. The scale examines the different stages an individual goes through during the process of behavior change.
The URICA-SAV consists of statements that assess the individual’s readiness to change. These statements refer to four main stages:
Precontemplation: The individual does not recognize there is a problem and has no intention of changing their behavior.
Contemplation: The individual begins to acknowledge the problem and considers change but has not yet committed to action.
Preparation: The individual plans to take action and is preparing to make changes.
Action: The individual has begun taking steps to change their alcohol consumption behavior.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data from the URICA-SAV are collected through a questionnaire containing statements that the individual rates in terms of agreement or disagreement, typically using a Likert-type scale. These data are used to determine the stage of change the individual is currently in.
The main analyses include:
Factor analysis to confirm the four dimensions (stages) of the change model.
Reliability analysis, such as calculating Cronbach’s alpha, to assess the internal consistency of the subscales.
Correlation analysis and multiple regression to examine the relationship between the stage of change and other variables, such as the severity of alcohol use or the success of interventions.
The scale’s data are widely used in clinical studies to develop and evaluate intervention programs against alcohol abuse and to understand the individual’s psychological readiness for change.

Purpose

The goal of the URICA-SAV is to assess an individual’s readiness to change their alcohol consumption behavior. Specifically, the scale helps:
Identify the stage of change the individual is in.
Understand the psychological process an individual goes through while preparing for change.
Develop personalized therapeutic interventions based on the individual’s stage of readiness.

Calibration

The calibration of the URICA-SAV involves:
Reliability analysis to calculate the internal consistency of the scale’s dimensions, typically using Cronbach’s alpha.
Confirmatory factor analysis to validate the structure of the four stages of the change model.
Cross-validation in different populations and samples to ensure the scale is applicable and reliable in various settings.

Bibliography

DiClemente, C. C., & Hughes, S. O. (1990). Stages of change profiles in outpatient alcoholism treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse, 2(2), 217-235.
Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390-395.
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. Guilford Press.