Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2017
Journal / Book Title
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors
Abstract
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an efficacious treatment for alcohol use disorders. MI is thought to enhance motivation via a combination of 2 therapeutic strategies or active ingredients: 1 relational and 1 directional. The primary aim of this study was to examine MI's hypothesized active ingredients using a dismantling design. Problem drinkers (N = 139) seeking treatment were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions: MI, relational MI without the directional elements labeled spirit-only MI (SOMI), or a nontherapy control condition and followed for 8 weeks. Those assigned to MI or SOMI received 4 sessions of treatment over 8 weeks. All participants significantly reduced their drinking by Week 8, but reductions were equivalent across conditions. The hypothesis that baseline motivation would significantly moderate condition effects on outcome was generally not supported. Failure to find support for MI's hypothesized active ingredients is discussed in the context of the strengths and limitations of the study design.
DOI
10.1037/adb0000317
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Morgenstern, Jon; Kuerbis, Alexis; Houser, Jessica; Levak, Svetlana; Amrhein, Paul; Shao, Sijing; and McKay, James R., "Dismantling Motivational Interviewing: Effects On Initiation of Behavior Change Among Problem Drinkers Seeking Treatment" (2017). Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 181.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/psychology-facpubs/181
Published Citation
Morgenstern, J., Kuerbis, A., Houser, J., Levak, S., Amrhein, P., Shao, S., & McKay, J. R. (2017). Dismantling motivational interviewing: Effects on initiation of behavior change among problem drinkers seeking treatment. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 31(7), 751.