Resistance: Overcoming Barriers to Positive Outcomes W. Rand Walker, Ph.D.

Objectives Cover useful concepts related to positive change Develop some ideas about how to use the tools in your work with youth Provide a useful framework for assessing and intervening effectively Not intended to cover prevailing models of optimal programs

Types of Resistance Externalizer/Blamer Stonewaller (Silence) Deniers (“Fine”) Nonverbal provocateur Non-compliers and testers (late for meetings, “I forgot”) Attackers (The best defense is an offense) Apathetic Creative resistance

Activating the Victim Triangle

Impact of Resistance on Professionals Rattles Irritates Causes us to do things we don’t ordinarily do Frustrates Burns us out Role of interpretation

Reasons for Resistance They don’t believe they can do it and lack confidence that the preferred vision will really happen. They don’t see what is in it for them. They don’t want to give up things necessary to change successfully. Peers and other influences that reinforce the status quo. They don’t believe change is necessary. Fear and uncertainty Environment

Stages of Change Pre-contemplation Contemplation Preparation Action Maintenance

Pre-contemplators Are not even thinking seriously about making a change The goal of work with pre-contemplators is to get them into contemplation Usually ends with an eye opening event Change is relevant to them

Contemplators Have decided it is time to seriously look at change Persuasion Mentorship Motivation Fear

Motivation Extrinsic Intrinsic Reinforcement value Response cost Outcome expectancy

Authority Versus Power Rules/Laws Versus Values Laws and rules Punishments and rewards Rules and laws are actually a very low standard of behavior Don’t confuse power with authority Values Values are a high standard Influence, persuasion, and the relationship are primary Natural Consequences

Preparation Ideas about how to make changes Planning and organizing Clarity about what change “looks like” (what am I going to see that is different from what we have been doing?) Goal setting

Target Areas for Change Environment Parenting Behavior modification Thoughts that help (self instruction) Lifestyle Experiencing and self-efficacy PERMA

Goal Setting Vision goals (dream goals) Proximal goals Focus goals Task goals Benchmarks (with scheduled accountability)

Action Implementing the change Following the plan Doing it until it works

Elements of Successful Change Motivated Clarity about what is to be changed Goal setting Accountability Tools and skills Mindset Grit People

The Problem of the “Comfort Zone” We react to causing discomfort We have an aversion to being a part of discomfort We get caught up in comfort being a goal or a positive outcome

Struggle

The 8 P’s Permanence Pervasiveness Personalizing Projecting blame Persecution-victim stance Procrastination Perfectionism Prediction

Keys to Being a Successful Change Agent Relationship Consistency and follow-through Unpredictability Be a coach

Maintaining the Positive Change Life pattern

Relapse

“It just happened” No. You put yourself in a situation where it can happen. Friends Pleasure Habits and patterns Discomfort Low skill Role transition Role conflicts Grief Impulsivity Peer pressure Impairment Identity

Closing thoughts