OBJECTIVE III
Understand and practice positive role modeling
Estimated time for delivery: 1 hour TRAINER NOTE
Present a sample of behaviors including appropriate and inappropriate behaviors to stimulate discussion and debate (see handout III.1 below)
CONTENT
The TC model emphasizes role modeling as a means of learning drug-free behaviors, by exposing the newly abstinent to a full spectrum of recovering peers, ranging from recovering senior peers on down to those peers who have a more short-lived, drug-free lifestyle. This emphasis on learning prosocial behavior through direct modeling, observation, and vicarious learning is consonant with a social learning/behavioral orientation (Bandura, 1969, 1971). As modeling procedures have been found to be most effective when the discrepancy between the observer and model is minimal, the availability of community role models with graded periods of abstinence and pro-social behavior may enable highly effective modeling for peers at all phases of recovery. The trainer will present a 30 minute lecture concerning the theoretical basis and empirical evidence for the role of positive role modeling in addictive behavior change.
EXERCISE
A round robin exercise will be conducted in small groups of five. Each trainee will identify a behavior of his/her own that might conflict with the behaviors sanctioned by the treatment program and identify how they intend to correct this behavior. Three rounds will be conducted. Examples: tendency to intervene prematurely when a peer is upset; use of profanity; showing up late for meetings; negative body language.
Handout III.1 Appropriate and Inappropriate Behaviors
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
*Attendance *Absences *Punctuality *Lateness *Dress appropriately *Wearing tight, revealing clothing *Attend to personal hygiene *Neglecting personal hygiene *Self-Disclosure *Monopolizing/disrupting group *Listening to others *Cutting off others *Reach out to peers *Isolating self and others *Respect for authority *Disrespecting others *Frustration tolerance *Acting out frustrations *Honesty *Lying, stealing *Take responsibility for yourself *Refusing responsibility *Be self-motivated *Keeping a street image *Be a positive role model *Profanity *Learn to manage your money *Borrowing or lending money to peers *Complete job tasks *Abusing drugs/alcohol *Turn in urines on time *Acts of violence or threats of violence *Attend outside 12 step meetings *Engaging in sexual/romantic relationships with peers *Learning rules of the program
*Maintain confidentiality
*Maintain gratitude and humility over sobriety
SUMMARYBy the end of this segment, trainees will have a comprehensive understanding of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors for the therapeutic milieu of the TC. Each trainee will be able to identify at least one of their own behaviors that might conflict with the treatment program and a specific strategy for remedying this behavior will be developed.
Summarize the section by noting the following:
Objective III was targeted to improved understanding and practice of positive role modeling of trainees. This objective built upon the earlier objectives of trainees learning the rule of the treatment community (Objective I) and appreciating the value of patient-peers assuming a role of self-help and mutual help (Objective II). As part of Objective III, staff-trainees developed a greater awareness of their own specific behavioral traits as they might impact on the functioning of the program, as well as formulating a plan for corrective action (as needed).
With this awareness trainees will be ready for Objective IV, an understanding of the concept of "no we-they dichotomy". Objective IV continues the development of trainee awareness of their own behavior, again with the purpose of promoting an attitude that will support the treatment goals.
