URICA
Pronunciation: YOUR-ih-ka
Also written as: URICA — University of Rhode Island Change Assessment
University of Rhode Island Change Assessment scale, a validated instrument measuring readiness to change across stages of motivation.
Full Definition
The URICA (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment) is a psychometric assessment tool that measures an individual's readiness to change addictive behaviors across four stages: precontemplation, contemplation, action, and maintenance. Developed based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change, URICA helps clinicians assess where clients are in their change process and tailor interventions accordingly. The scale consists of statements that clients rate based on their agreement, providing scores for each stage of change. This assessment is particularly valuable in addiction treatment for matching interventions to client readiness and predicting treatment outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Pronounce as 'YOUR-ih-ka' rather than spelling out the letters U-R-I-C-A.
In Context
- "URICA scores indicated the client was in the contemplation stage, requiring motivational enhancement techniques." — Assessment report
- "The treatment team administered the URICA to better understand each group member's motivation for change." — Group therapy documentation