Glad to see you’re reading DiClemente. I’ve also found the “Stages of Change” model helpful in thinking about where people are at in terms of denial/acceptance/action. The following is my own generalization and simplification of the model, using a “Titanic” analogy as an example. I’ve used this as a handout for a (live)peak oil discussion group.

Prochaska and DiClimente’s “Stages of Change� Model with some examples from a “Titanic� situation

1. Precontemplation

Person is clueless or in denial, with no recognition that there’s any need to change. Active avoidance of “bad news�.

As the person begins to gain some acceptance that there’s a problem, may slip into hopelessness: “What’s the use?�

Titanic example: “It’s just a drill; no need to stop the party.�

2. Contemplation

Feels stuck. Recognizes there’s a problem, and starts to think about possible actions to take, but “not ready yet.� “I need to understand it better first.�

Titanic: “What do we do now? Who’s going to tell us what to do?�

3. Preparation

Public commitment to action. Planning to take concrete steps soon, but still some ambivalence. Starting to change perceptions, beliefs, feelings, self-image, and social interactions.

Titanic: “Let’s get the kids together, gather up the essentials, and head together for the lifeboats in Section C.�

4. Action

Start of actual behavior towards a defined goal. Requires much time and energy. These actions alone don’t guarantee change. Person generally gets the most social support at this stage.

Major problem: The person may do impulsive or inadequate or ineffective actions and think that’s enough.

Titanic: Walking to lifeboats, carrying supplies, holding hands with kids, offering encouragement and reassurance to each other, going over the immediate plan repeatedly.

5. Maintenance

Critically important but often neglected phase. Ongoing activities necessary to successfully continue in the new situation. “Without a strong commitment to maintenance, there will surely be relapse.� Usually limited social support at this stage.

Common relapses: Diets, New Year’s resolutions, gardens gone to weed as summer progresses.

Titanic: In lifeboat—-leading, organizing, assessing supplies and skills, planning for contingencies, evaluating possible psychosocial problems (e.g.panic, depression, conflict, rebellion).

(Note: The authors have a 6th stage—“Terminationâ€?, where no further effort is required to maintain the change. I don’t think any of us believes this will happen in our lifetimes regarding the resourcee and environmental challenges we’re facing.)

Funny you should talk about your dissertation because I am doing mine on the psychology of peak oil also due in September ;o) Having just invited Chris Johnstone to one of our uni sessions I can only support your acclaim for his approach! Can I also add Jared Diamonds’s book “Collapse” to this list as I found it very useful in terms of learning lessons from past civilisations! Happy days all round!

Realmedia direct link:
http://www.indybay.org/uploads/history_of_oil.ram

If all these don’t get the little grey cells working upstairs nothing will I don’t think we can all agree on 100% of everything but the discussion and ideas they create are well worth the reading.

The Empty Tank in particular is technical but easy to read, obviously Mr. Leggett’s teaching skills make the topic approachable.

Jacobs and Kunstler are the urban studies group and also provide insight with wit.

I don’t agree with the downfall of education as much as Kunstler states, given the example of Cuba reaction to its own Peak Lite since the 90′s (greater not less), but overall again provides shape and context.

As a Canadian I had no idea regarding the housing situation in the US and as a neighbour this could have stark ramifications for Canada as an economic blackhole. Everyone will be affected but we’re closer and our economy is completely tied into the US (NAFTA etc).