ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
– ambivalence about change
The aim of the exercise is for patients themselves to formulate the conflict between changing or not
changing specific behaviour or habits. The exercise can be used when patients have decided on following one
of the other exercises, to tackle a habit or behaviour. Describing the advantages and disadvantages of the
planned change will show the consequences of change as well as the status quo. When patients formulate
the advantages and disadvantages and express any ambivalence that could get in the way of motivation for
change, it enables them to take a more conscious choice.
About 10 mins for completing
Typically used in a consultation process and
’Advantages and Disadvantages’ and
possibly during the final session of a process
dialogue about the completed boxes.
The exercise can be used with ‘Goal and Plan’
‘Advantages and
and ‘Importance and Confidence’
Disadvantages’ sheet
Writing implements
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages of the current situation:
Advantages of reaching the goal:
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Disadvantages of the current situation:
Disadvantages of reaching the goal:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
© 2013, Steno Diabetes Center. All rights reserved. The DAWN2™ logo is trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
© 2013, Steno Diabetes Center. All rights reserved.
STEP BY STEP
1.
Introduce the purpose of the exercise: To describe various considerations for achieving the goals
that have been set. Find out what possible obstacles there might be to the planned changes.
2.
Consider saying: ”You have chosen something that you would like to work on or change. But
sometimes it can be difficult because we all have negative as well as positive thoughts about
change. Here I have a drawing which could possibly help you. As you can see, for everyone who
is slightly uncertain about change, there are advantages and disadvantages in doing something
and not doing anything. Have you ever thought about that? Would you like to try and complete
’Advantages and Disadvantages’ with your thoughts?”
3.
Ask patients to complete the sheet by answering the question in each box. They should answer as
thoroughly as possible. Let patients answer in collaboration with you. It is important for patients
to complete the sheet using their own words.
4.
Then discuss what has appeared. Is it surprising? Is there anything that gives pause for thought?
Is the goal worth going for or is there something else you should give higher priority to?
5.
Complete the exercise by asking whether ’Goal and Plan’ should be adjusted.
6.
Then give the sheet to the patient to take home and keep a copy for yourself.
© 2013, Steno Diabetes Center. All rights reserved. The DAWN2™ logo is trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Learn more about DAWN2™ at www.dawnstudy.com