Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ)
Readiness to Change Questionnaire · Also known as: RCQ, Readiness to Change Questionnaire
The RCQ is a 12-item self-report instrument designed to assess an individual's stage of change motivation regarding substance use, particularly alcohol use. Developed by Rollnick and colleagues in 1992, it operationalizes the Transtheoretical Model of Change by measuring readiness across the precontemplation, contemplation, and action stages. The RCQ is a brief, cost-effective tool for identifying individuals who are ready to engage in behavior change and for tailoring the intensity and timing of intervention.
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When to use it
The RCQ is appropriate for use in primary care, addiction treatment programs, occupational health settings, and criminal justice environments to assess readiness to change substance use. It is particularly useful at initial assessment or during follow-up to determine timing and intensity of intervention. The RCQ can guide brief interventions by identifying individuals with high precontemplation (who may benefit from motivational strategies before intensive treatment) and those in action stages (who are ready for structured treatment). It is less appropriate as a population-level screening instrument; use AUDIT, DUDIT, or CUDIT-R for that purpose.
Strengths & limitations
- Brief, low-cost instrument aligned with the established Transtheoretical Model of Change, with wide applicability across substances
- Directly assesses readiness and motivation, which are strong predictors of treatment engagement and behavior change success
- Identifies individuals with precontemplation (who may need motivational approaches) versus action stages (who are ready for intensive treatment)
- Useful for tailoring intervention intensity and approach to stage of readiness, improving treatment engagement
- Good reliability and construct validity across multiple validation studies and substance use populations
- The Transtheoretical Model itself has been critiqued; some individuals change without progressing through distinct stages in linear fashion
- Does not account for external barriers (e.g., access, financial constraints) or social support that may influence readiness
- Stage classification may oversimplify the complexity of ambivalence and change motivation
- Designed primarily for alcohol use; adaptation for other substances may require validation in specific populations
Frequently asked
What do the three RCQ stages mean?
Precontemplation: the individual does not recognize a problem and has no intention to change. Contemplation: the individual recognizes a problem and is considering change but remains ambivalent. Action: the individual is committed to change and is actively pursuing it. Most individuals cycle through these stages, and intervention should match the individual's current stage.
Can the RCQ predict whether someone will stay sober after treatment?
RCQ readiness scores predict treatment engagement and initial behavior change; individuals in action stages are more likely to engage in treatment. However, readiness alone does not predict long-term recovery; coping skills, social support, and ongoing intervention are also important.
Should individuals in precontemplation be excluded from treatment?
No. Precontemplation stage indicates a need for motivational intervention before intensive treatment, not exclusion. Motivational interviewing and awareness-raising strategies can shift individuals from precontemplation toward contemplation and action. Many individuals require multiple cycles of motivational work before committing to change.
How often should the RCQ be readministered?
Readminister the RCQ at intake, at treatment milestones (e.g., completion of motivational phase, transition to relapse prevention), and during follow-up. Frequency depends on treatment context; intensive programs may reassess monthly, while brief interventions may reassess once. Readiness often shifts in response to therapeutic work.
Is the RCQ used with non-alcohol substances?
Yes, though it was originally developed for alcohol use. The RCQ has been adapted and validated for cannabis, opioids, and other substances. Specific wording may be modified to refer to the target substance, but the underlying stage framework remains applicable.
What is the difference between the RCQ and the URICA?
The RCQ is a 12-item brief instrument for assessing readiness in substance use contexts. The URICA (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment) is a longer (32-item) version of the stages of change assessment. Use RCQ for rapid assessment in clinical practice; use URICA for research or when more detailed stage measurement is needed.
Sources
- Rollnick, S., Heather, N., Gold, R., & Hall, W. (1992). Development of a short 'Readiness to Change' questionnaire for use in brief, opportunistic interventions among excessive drinkers. British Journal of Addiction, 87(5), 743–754. DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1992.tb02720.x ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Readiness to Change Questionnaire. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/addiction-medicine/readiness-to-change-questionnaire
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