Alcohol Treatment and Alcoholism Advice

 
 
 
 

Stage Two: Empathy And Self-Efficacy

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to trying to enhance the person's own sense of their ability to change things for the better. This involves praising them/rewarding them for positive behaviour. Under 'responsibility' above, I talked about the importance of avoiding responses of any kind to the negative behaviours caused by drinking. However, if positive behaviours occur these should be recognised and responded to. These differing responses are consistent with the 'rules' of behavioural modification therapy. If you are trying to modify someone's behaviour, then the rule of thumb is to ignore unwanted behaviours and to reward desired behaviours. This can work well in children who are bed-wetting - they are not punished when they wet the bed, but if they do manage to go through the night without wetting, they are rewarded with a gold star. The problem with this approach in adults is that it can sometimes be seen through easily, and then experienced as 'manipulation'. You will have to be subtle in your use of praise. For example, use inflection of voice to ask a question in a way that sounds pleasantly surprised:

‘You cooked for yourself tonight? That must be the first time in a while. (+/-Well done).’
‘You finally finished that project? That’s great.’
‘Did I notice that you got in on time for the whole week?’

If you sense that your rewarding statements are being received appreciatively, you can become a little more open about these:

‘It’s good to see you taking a bit more care of yourself.’
‘I like it when you smile.’

The importance of enhancing your drinker's sense of self-efficacy is evident from the central importance of the need for them to take personal responsibility to sort out their own problems. If they have no belief in their ability to impact positively on their environment, then the idea of taking responsibility for their actions will appear to be an overwhelming challenge.




Next page .. Stage Three: Advice & Menu of Options

Motivate Someone To Seek Help For Alcoholism index



The above information is copyright of Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych (2006). ISBN 0-9545164-0-0. The author grants permission for these guidelines to be downloaded, copied and distributed freely, but does not grant permission for their sale.


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