Pro-Change contracted by Self Esteem Boston

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Self Esteem Boston contracted with South Kingstown-based Pro-Change Behavior Systems Inc. to assess pre-post changes in readiness to change, self-esteem, and symptoms of substance abuse among 100 Self Esteem Boston clients who participated in its new 16-hour Skills for Success curriculum. The psycho-educational program was offered over the course of four weeks or eight weeks.
Surveys were administered by Self Esteem Boston staff at program intake and completion. Three of the measures, developed by Pro-Change, assessed dimensions of readiness to use eight coping and problem-solving skills associated with continued abstinence and improved well-being: 1) thinking before you act, 2) controlling negative thinking, 3) following what you know is right for you, 4) being a good problem-solver, 5) managing your anger well, 6) handling disagreements well, 7) managing stress and anxiety in healthy ways, and 8) dealing with depression in healthy ways.
Among Self Esteem Boston clients who completed the Skills for Success curriculum, there were clear improvements from program intake to completion on all key outcome dimensions examined: skill engagement, skills success, skill confidence, self-esteem, and substance abuse symptoms. From program intake to program completion, more clients progressed to the Maintenance stage to achieve sustained abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
Marion B. Davis, president of Self Esteem Boston Educational Institute Inc. stated, “we are excited about this evaluation and we are grateful to Pro-Change Behavior Systems for their expertise.”