Assessing Stages of Concern for Engaging With Change: 50 Years of Evolution

• In Event: Practice and Evaluation in Psychometrics

Abstract

We examine and provide updated user advice for one of three central tools of the Concerns Based Adoption Model: the Stages of Concern Questionnaire. SoCQ captures data about beliefs and intentions of individuals regarding their engagement with new programs or practices. Results provide insights about Implementers, engaging with ways to change their practice; and Change Facilitators, supporting Implementers as they work to change. SoCQ has been used since development in 1973. Our analyses used data collected between 2008 to 2023—nearly 30,000 respondents—and initial 1974/75 norming data. Few instruments have remained relevant over 50 years, and fewer still have accessible raw data available for study and renewal. We will discuss updates and historic interest of its evolution over time.

Authors

• Kent Seidel, University of Colorado - Denver

• Julie R. OBrian-Oxenford, University of Colorado - Denver

• Gene E. Hall, Concerns Based Systems, Inc.