Integrating Emotional Intelligence and Readiness to Change in Addiction Recovery: Evidence from the DARE2change Module in Malaysia

Abstract

Background and Objective: Addiction relapse remains a persistent challenge in Malaysia, with high rates reported by the National Anti Drugs Agency (AADK)¹. Emotional Intelligence (EI) and readiness to change are psychosocial constructs that influence recovery outcomes, yet few studies have examined their integration in structured rehabilitation programs. Guided by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM)², Self Determination Theory (SDT)³, Social Learning Theory (SLT)⁴, and Motivational Interviewing (MI)⁵, this study aimed to evaluate changes in readiness to change following participation in the DARE2change psychoeducational module and to test EI as a predictor of motivational progression.
This figure illustrates the conceptual framework and outcomes of the DARE2change psychoeducational module. The left panel highlights Emotional Intelligence (EI) domains—emotional awareness, self regulation, and empathy—while the right panel depicts Readiness to Change stages based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM)². The central section presents the DARE2change program components: psychoeducation, counseling, and group support. The lower section summarizes outcomes, including reduced relapse and increased resilience, and policy recommendations for integrating EI into rehabilitation programs⁶ˉ⁸.
Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted among 70 residents (35 treatment, 35 control) of Therapeutic Community Program (TC) recruited from a Drug Rehabilitation Centre under the Prisons Department of Malaysia. Participants were aged 21 years and above. Readiness to change was measured using the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) instruments (TSPRA_ KE/TSPASCA_KE)⁹‚¹º while Emotional Intelligence (EI) was assessed using the USMEQ i, validated in Malaysia¹¹ which evaluates domains such as emotional awareness, regulation, and commitment. Statistical analyses included paired t tests, Pearson correlations, regression models, and MANOVA.
Results: Readiness to change improved significantly in the treatment group (Mpre = 3.0991, Mpost = 3.2773; t(69) = −2.790, p = 0.007). Correlation analysis revealed moderate stability (r = 0.467, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that EI domains, particularly Emotional Awareness and Commitment, significantly predicted readiness improvements. Effect size analysis (Cohen’s d ≈ 0.33) suggested a small to moderate practical impact.
Conclusion: The DARE2change module enhanced readiness to change, while EI emerged as a significant predictor of motivational progression. These findings reinforce TTM’s stage‑based framework² and support global evidence that emotional regulation interventions reduce relapse risk¹²,¹³. Practically, rehabilitation programs should prioritize EI and readiness training as short‑term targets, while embedding longer‑term strategies to reshape self‑concept. Policymakers are encouraged to integrate structured modules such as DARE2change into national rehabilitation frameworks, aligning with Malaysia’s recovery goals