Assessing emotional readiness for adoption using the transtheoretical model

Results showed that individuals in the earlier stages of change weighed the cons of being emotionally ready as higher than the pros, while the opposite was true for individuals in the Maintenance stage. Individuals in the Action and Maintenance stages reported higher self-efficacy than those in the Contemplation and Preparation stages. Individuals in the latter stages applied processes of change at higher levels than those in the Contemplation stage. These findings support the applicability of the TTM to emotional readiness to be an adoptive parent and provide impetus for future efforts to develop stage-matched interventions that can guide adoption professionals in their work.