Motivational Intervention Group Research Articles

Longitudinal effects of a nationwide lifestyle intervention program on cardiometabolic outcomes in Japan: An observational cohort study

The Japanese government launched a nationwide health screening and lifestyle intervention program in 2008 to prevent and reduce metabolic syndrome in at-risk individuals. This study examined the longitudinal effects of the program's lifestyle interventions on metabolic outcomes using health insurance data from one prefecture. The study population comprised 16,317 individuals aged 40–74 years who met the recommendation criteria for the interventions between 2009 and 2015. Participants were categorized into an overall intervention group (comprising a single-session motivational intervention group and a multi-session intensive intervention group) and a non-intervention group. We evaluated the interventions' effects on the initiation of medications for metabolic disorders (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia) and metabolic syndrome incidence for 6 years using discrete hazard models that adjusted for sex, age, health screening measurements, and smoking habit. The longitudinal effects on health screening measurements were also evaluated using regression models for repeated measures. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for initiation of medications were 0.83 (0.77–0.90), 0.77 (0.71–0.84), and 0.66 (0.57–0.77) for overall, motivational, and intensive interventions, respectively. The aHRs (95%CI) for metabolic syndrome incidence were 0.84 (0.75–0.94), 0.80 (0.71–0.91), and 0.67 (0.51–0.89) for overall, motivational, and intensive interventions, respectively. The interventions reduced body mass index and waist circumference, but had modest effects on blood lipids, blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c levels; blood pressure was unaffected. These interventions represent an effective strategy to prevent the progression of preclinical metabolic syndrome, but further studies are needed to evaluate their long-term preventive effects on cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The Obemat2.0 Study: A Clinical Trial of a Motivational Intervention for Childhood Obesity Treatment.

The primary aim of the Obemat2.0 trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent motivational program for the treatment of childhood obesity, coordinated between primary care and hospital specialized services, compared to the usual intervention performed in primary care. This was a cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in Spain, with two intervention arms: motivational intervention group vs. usual care group (as control), including 167 participants in each. The motivational intervention consisted of motivational interviewing, educational materials, use of an eHealth physical activity monitor and three group-based sessions. The primary outcome was body mass index (BMI) z score increments before and after the 12 (+3) months of intervention. Secondary outcomes (pre-post intervention) were: adherence to treatment, waist circumference (cm), fat mass index (z score), fat free mass index (z score), total body water (kg), bone mineral density (z score), blood lipids profile, glucose metabolism, and psychosocial problems. Other assessments (pre and post-intervention) were: sociodemographic information, physical activity, sedentary activity, neuropsychological testing, perception of body image, quality of the diet, food frequency consumption and foods available at home. The results of this clinical trial could open a window of opportunity to support professionals at the primary care to treat childhood obesity. The clinicaltrials.gov identifier was NCT02889406.

Effect of a brief motivational intervention in reducing alcohol consumption in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction to alcohol consumption early in life increases the risk of alcohol dependency and hence motivational interventions are needed in young patients visiting the emergency department (ED). This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention in reducing alcohol consumption among young ED patients. This was a blind randomized controlled trial with follow-up at 3 months. Patients were stratified on the basis of age and blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l or more. A total of 263 patients aged 16-24 were randomized, with 132 patients in the brief motivational intervention group and 131 in the control group, with data collection at 3 months. From September 2011 to July 2012, a psychologist performed the brief motivational intervention 5 days after the patients' discharge. A phone call was made at 1 and 2 months. The control group received a self-assessment leaflet. The reduction in consumption was determined on the basis of the number of drinks consumed in the last week prior to the survey. The mean reduction between number of drinks at baseline and number of drinks at 3 months in the control group was 0.3 and that in the intervention group was 0.9. This reduction in alcohol use in the brief motivational intervention group was not significant. The study did not show an association between brief motivational intervention and repeated drunkenness [relative risk (RR): 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.24], alcohol consumption at least once a month (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.31-2.10) and alcohol consumption at least 10 times during the month (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.96-1.26). We did not observe a significant decrease in alcohol consumption among the youth. Further studies are needed to confirm the positive impact of a brief motivational intervention in the ED.

Effectiveness of a motivational intervention on overweight/obese patients in the primary healthcare: a cluster randomized trial

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are common health problems which increase the risk of developing several serious health conditions. The main difficulty in the management of weight-loss lies in its maintenance, once it is achieved. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a motivational intervention, together with current clinical practice, was more efficient than a traditional intervention, in the treatment of overweight and obesity and whether this intervention reduces cardiovascular risk factors associated with overweight and obesity.MethodsMulti-centre cluster randomized trial with a 24-month follow-up included 864 overweight/obese patients randomly assigned. Motivational intervention group (400 patients), delivered by a nurse trained by an expert psychologist, in 32 sessions, 1 to 12 fortnightly, and 13 to 32, monthly, on top of their standard programmed diet and exercise. The control group (446 patients), received the usual follow-up.ResultsWeight reduction was statistically significant in the second year with a mean reduction of 1.0 Kg in the control group and 2.5 Kg in the intervention group (p = 0. 02). While 18.1% of patients in the control group reduced their weight by more than 5%, this percentage rose to 26.9% in the intervention group, which is statistically significant (p = 0.04). Patients in the motivational intervention group had significantly greater improvements in triglycerides and APOB/APOA1ratio.ConclusionsThe results highlight the importance of the group motivational interview in the treatment of overweight /obese patients in primary care, and in the improvement of their associated cardiovascular risks factors.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01006213 October 30, 2009.

Effect on the lipid parameters of an intervention to reduce weight in overweight and obese patients

ObjectiveTo assess the effect on lipid parameters most associated with excess weight (triglycerides [TG], cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein [HDL-C]) of an intervention to reduce weight in overweight and obese patients. MethodsA randomised, controlled, double blind clinical trial, with three groups, and a follow-up of 12 months.Patients included in the study were randomised into three intervention groups: Obesity motivational intervention group with previously trained nurse (G1), lower intensity consultation, non-motivational group, with digital platform support (G2), and a third group that received a recommendation to lose weight and usual follow-up (G3). The anthropometric variables measured were height, weight, and abdominal/waist circumference, and laboratory results, total cholesterol, TG and HDL cholesterol). ResultsThe study includes 176 patients, of whom 60 were randomised to G1, 61 to G2, and 59 to G3. All groups significantly decreased body weight at the end of the study, with a decrease in G1 (−5.6kg), followed by G2 (−4.3kg), and G3 (−1.7kg), with an overall mean loss of −3.9kg. There was also a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total cholesterol and TG, and an increased HDL-C. These changes were more marked in the G1 group (the group that lost more weight). The clinical relevance indicators that were significant were: in the case of TG: G1/G3: relative risk: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.11–1.80); relative risk reduction: 41.7% (11.4–80.2); absolute risk reduction: 25% (9.2–40.8) and NNT: 5 (3–11). In the case of G1/G2 HDL-C: relative risk: 1.32 (1.07–1.63); relative risk reduction: 32.2% (7.4–62.6); absolute risk reduction: 21.1% (6.4–35.8) and NNT: 5 (3–16). ConclusionsWeight reduction is accompanied by favourable changes in the lipid parameters related to overweight and obesity, being more intense the greater the weight loss.

Efecto sobre los parámetros lipídicos de una intervención para reducir peso en pacientes con sobrepeso y obesidad

ObjectiveTo assess the effect on lipid parameters most associated with excess weight (triglycerides [TG], cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein [HDL-C]) of an intervention to reduce weight in overweight and obese patients. MethodsA randomised, controlled, double blind clinical trial, with three groups, and a follow-up of 12 months.Patients included in the study were randomised into three intervention groups: Obesity motivational intervention group with previously trained nurse (G1), lower intensity consultation, non-motivational group, with digital platform support (G2), and a third group that received a recommendation to lose weight and usual follow-up (G3). The anthropometric variables measured were height, weight, and abdominal/waist circumference, and laboratory results, total cholesterol, TG and HDL cholesterol). ResultsThe study include 176 patients, of whom 60 were randomised to G1, 61 to G2, and 59 to G3. All groups significantly decreased body weight at the end of the study, with a decrease in G1 (−5.6kg), followed by G2 (−4.3kg), and G3 (−1.7kg), with an overall mean loss of −3.9kg. There was a also significant decrease (P<.05) in total cholesterol and TG, and an increased HDL-C. These changes were more marked in the G1 group (the group that lost more weight). The clinical relevance indicators that were significant were: in the case of TG: G1/G3: relative risk: 1.42 (95% CI: 1.11-1.80); relative risk reduction: 41.7% (11.4-80.2); absolute risk reduction: 25% (9.2-40.8) and NNT: 5 (3-11). In the case of G1/G2 HDL-C: relative risk: 1.32 (1.07-1.63); relative risk reduction: 32.2% (7.4-62.6); absolute risk reduction: 21.1% (6.4-35.8) and NNT: 5 (3-16). ConclusionsWeight reduction is accompanied by favorable changes in the lipid parameters related to overweight and obesity, being more intense the greater the weight loss.

Effectiveness of a Web-Based Screening and Fully Automated Brief Motivational Intervention for Adolescent Substance Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundMid-to-late adolescence is a critical period for initiation of alcohol and drug problems, which can be reduced by targeted brief motivational interventions. Web-based brief interventions have advantages in terms of acceptability and accessibility and have shown significant reductions of substance use among college students. However, the evidence is sparse among adolescents with at-risk use of alcohol and other drugs.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effectiveness of a targeted and fully automated Web-based brief motivational intervention with no face-to-face components on substance use among adolescents screened for at-risk substance use in four European countries.MethodsIn an open-access, purely Web-based randomized controlled trial, a convenience sample of adolescents aged 16-18 years from Sweden, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic was recruited using online and offline methods and screened online for at-risk substance use using the CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) screening instrument. Participants were randomized to a single session brief motivational intervention group or an assessment-only control group but not blinded. Primary outcome was differences in past month drinking measured by a self-reported AUDIT-C-based index score for drinking frequency, quantity, and frequency of binge drinking with measures collected online at baseline and after 3 months. Secondary outcomes were the AUDIT-C-based separate drinking indicators, illegal drug use, and polydrug use. All outcome analyses were conducted with and without Expectation Maximization (EM) imputation of missing follow-up data.ResultsIn total, 2673 adolescents were screened and 1449 (54.2%) participants were randomized to the intervention or control group. After 3 months, 211 adolescents (14.5%) provided follow-up data. Compared to the control group, results from linear mixed models revealed significant reductions in self-reported past-month drinking in favor of the intervention group in both the non-imputed (P=.010) and the EM-imputed sample (P=.022). Secondary analyses revealed a significant effect on drinking frequency (P=.037) and frequency of binge drinking (P=.044) in the non-imputation-based analyses and drinking quantity (P=.021) when missing data were imputed. Analyses for illegal drug use and polydrug use revealed no significant differences between the study groups (Ps>.05).ConclusionsAlthough the study is limited by a large drop-out, significant between-group effects for alcohol use indicate that targeted brief motivational intervention in a fully automated Web-based format can be effective to reduce drinking and lessen existing substance use service barriers for at-risk drinking European adolescents.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Registry: ISRCTN95538913; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN95538913 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6XkuUEwBx)

Efficacy of motivational interventions in the treatment of overweight and obesity

Changing unhealthy behaviors: Diet and physical activity are key to treating obesity. The objective of this study is to determine whether an intervention group motivational intervention group by nurses trained by expert psychologist, complementary to the usual intervention is more effective than the latter in the treatment of overweight and obesity in relation to weight reduction percentage and the persistence over time of the reduction achieved. A multicenter randomized clinical trial of intervention in overweight and obese patients. Randomization of the intervention by health areas (ZBS). Two groups located in different centers separated, one of which will receive motivational intervention group (study group) and the other routine monitoring (control group) were established. Sociodemographic, results: percentage of patients reduced by 5% of its weight and maintenance over time, anthropometric assessment, assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and laboratory data. 696 patients were studied; 377 control and 319 study group. In both groups the weight down in each of the visits. The mean percentage weight reduction stood at 1% for the control group and 2.5% in the intervention group (p -value = 0.009). 55.8% of patients reduced the weight in the control group and 65.5% of the study group (p -value = 0.0391). 18.1% of the control patient lost more than 5% by weight, in the intervention group, this percentage increased to 26.9%; statistically significant ( p -value = 0.0304). For the 10% target no significant differences at 2 years were detected (5% vs. 8%). It was found that after two years the BMI in the control group an average 0.9 kg/m2 and 2.4 kg/m2 was reduced in the study group ( p -value = 0.0237). based motivational group intervention program can improve anthropometric and lifestyle parameters in obese patients treated in a primary care center.

Overweight, obesity, and diabetes after a group motivational intervention in primary care health

Overweight, obesity, and diabetes after a group motivational intervention in primary care health

Motivational intervention to enhance post-detoxification 12-Step group affiliation: a randomized controlled trial.

AimsTo compare a motivational intervention (MI) focused on increasing involvement in 12-Step groups (TSGs; e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous) versus brief advice (BA) to attend TSGs.DesignPatients were assigned randomly to either the MI or BA condition, and followed-up at 6 months after discharge.Setting and participantsOne hundred and forty substance use disorder (SUD) patients undergoing in-patient detoxification (detox) in Norway.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was TSG affiliation measured with the Alcoholics Anonymous Affiliation Scale (AAAS), which combines meeting attendance and TSG involvement. Substance use and problem severity were also measured.FindingsAt 6 months after treatment, compared with the BA group, the MI group had higher TSG affiliation [0.91 point higher AAAS score; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04 to 1.78; P = 0.041]. The MI group reported 3.5 fewer days of alcohol use (2.1 versus 5.6 days; 95% CI = −6.5 to −0.6; P = 0.020) and 4.0 fewer days of drug use (3.8 versus 7.8 days; 95% CI = −7.5 to −0.4; P = 0.028); however, abstinence rates and severity scores did not differ between conditions. Analyses controlling for duration of in-patient treatment did not alter the results.ConclusionsA motivational intervention in an in-patient detox ward was more successful than brief advice in terms of patient engagement in 12-Step groups and reduced substance use at 6 months after discharge. There is a potential benefit of adding a maintenance-focused element to standard detox.

Effects of a physical activity and healthy eating intervention to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a theory-based physical activity and healthy eating intervention aimed at reducing stroke risk factors among overweight/obese and sedentary older adults. MethodsBetween 12/2009–1/2011, participants (n=69) were randomly assigned to an 8-week group motivational intervention or biweekly newsletters by mail. Physical activity (blinded pedometer, 7-day recall) body composition, theoretical mediator, and dietary (24-hour recall) variables were measured at pre-test and post-test. The physical activity and dietary outcomes are reported. ResultsFor outcome measures, the follow-up was 90% for the intervention group (n=29) and 91% for the control group (n=34) for this sample. Statistically significant differences in the 7-day physical activity self-report were noted at post-test in the intervention group. The dietary measures were not statistically significant at post-test; however, the intervention group increased the quantity of vegetable servings. ConclusionLimited efficacy testing was supported for a combined physical activity-dietary intervention, framed by a wellness-motivation theory, and designed to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults who are sedentary and overweight/obese. Limitations were identified and recommendations for additional research provided.

Hazardously Drinking Women Leaving Jail: Time to First Drink

This study evaluated time to first drink in women being released from jail to determine predictors of early relapse among women with hazardous drinking and HIV risk behaviors. Between February 2004 and June 2007, 245 participants were recruited from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Following the baseline assessment, participants were randomized to a motivational intervention group or to a control condition. Follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months were completed for 210 participants. Alcohol use during follow-up occurred in 86.7% of participants, 42.4% initiated alcohol use on Day 1. The rate of initiation was associated with norms favorable to using alcohol (p < .01) and having a partner with an alcohol problem (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.62, p < .01). The rate of drink initiation decreased significantly (HR = 0.82, p < .05) as length of incarceration increased. The intervention was not associated with decreased drinking. Interventions to maintain abstinence need to reach women within their first days postrelease.

A peer-drinking group motivational intervention among Thai male undergraduate students

Background Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among young males, is an important global health problem, in part because of the increased risks of intentional and non-intentional injuries, uses of illicit drug, crime, and psychiatric disorders. There are no data available to evaluate the extent to which interventions are effective in reducing hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption among young males in Thailand. We examined the efficacy of alcohol harm reduction strategies administered as a peer-drinking group motivational intervention (PD-GMI) among Thai male undergraduates. Methods We used a quasi-experimental study design that included two student groups assessed at baseline and at two time points post-intervention. Participants were students enrolled in two public universities and who reported alcohol consumption during the current academic year. Students in one university were assigned to an assessment-only study group ( n = 110); and students in the other university were assigned to a 2-h PD-GMI ( n = 115). This intervention was designed to (1) increase the awareness of risks associated with hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption; (2) enhance students’ motivation to change their drinking behaviours; and (3) encourage harm reduction strategies during episodes of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption and adverse consequences were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI). Results Students receiving the intervention had significant reductions in mean AUDIT scores; 50.4% at baseline to 1-month and 61.2% at baseline to 3-month post-intervention. Their mean RAPI scores were also reduced; 42.0% at baseline to 1-month and 42.9% at baseline to 3-month post-intervention. Reductions in alcohol consumption and the prevalence of harmful alcohol consumption patterns were statistically significant among students in the intervention group versus those in the control group. The reductions remained after adjustments for baseline differences. Conclusions These results suggest the efficacy of the PD-GMI intervention for reducing alcohol consumption and adverse consequences among Thai male students.

Group motivational intervention in overweight/obese patients in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the primary healthcare area.

BackgroundThe global mortality caused by cardiovascular disease increases with weight. The Framingham study showed that obesity is a cardiovascular risk factor independent of other risks such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and smoking. Moreover, the main problem in the management of weight-loss is its maintenance, if it is achieved. We have designed a study to determine whether a group motivational intervention, together with current clinical practice, is more efficient than the latter alone in the treatment of overweight and obesity, for initial weight loss and essentially to achieve maintenance of the weight achieved; and, secondly, to know if this intervention is more effective for reducing cardiovascular risk factors associated with overweight and obesity.MethodsThis 26-month follow up multi-centre trial, will include 1200 overweight/obese patients. Random assignment of the intervention by Basic Health Areas (BHA): two geographically separate groups have been created, one of which receives group motivational intervention (group intervention), delivered by a nurse trained by an expert phsychologist, in 32 group sessions, 1 to 12 fortnightly, and 13 to 32, monthly, on top of their standard program of diet, exercise, and the other (control group), receiving the usual follow up, with regular visits every 3 months.DiscussionBy addressing currently unanswered questions regarding the maintenance in weight loss in obesity/overweight, upon the expected completion of participant follow-up in 2012, the IMOAP trial should document, for the first time, the benefits of a motivational intervention as a treatment tool of weight loss in a primary care setting.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01006213

Opportunistic screening and clinician‐delivered brief intervention for high‐risk alcohol use among emergency department attendees: A randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of routine opportunistic screening and brief intervention (BI) by ED staff to reduce high-risk alcohol consumption. This was an open, randomized controlled trial with allocation blinding performed over 12 months. Using the Paddington Alcohol Test, adult patients were screened for high-risk alcohol use. Consenting patients who were screened positive were eligible for randomization to no counselling (standard care, SC), same-day BI by an emergency nurse or doctor or motivational intervention (MI) within 1 week by off-site drug and alcohol counsellors. Telephone follow up was performed at 1 and 3 months. The primary outcome was maximum self-reported daily standard drinks consumed. Analysis was by intention to treat. Of 32,965 eligible patients, 10,274 were screened, 1043 were positive, 468 consented to the study, and 161, 159 and 148 were allocated to SC, BI and MI, respectively. In the MI group, 133 declined intervention or failed to attend. At 3 months, 96, 81 and 74 participants in the SC, BI and MI groups, respectively, were contactable and consented to telephone interview. Overall, maximum daily alcohol consumption decreased from a median of 13.5 standard drinks at enrolment to 9.25 drinks at 3 months. At 3 months, SC participants reported fewer drinks than those randomized to MI. In the present study, neither BI nor MI was better than SC in reducing high-risk alcohol consumption. Uptake of opportunistic screening by ED staff was poor, as was patient compliance with off-site counselling.

Moderators of Effects of Motivational Enhancements to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Patient treatment matching hypotheses were tested for substance users randomly assigned to a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; n= 114) or a group motivational intervention (GMI; n= 116). Treatment was scheduled twice weekly for 10 weeks. Using a patient attribute by treatment interaction design with a 15-week follow-up, the study predicted that alexithymia, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and network support for alcohol and drug use would be associated with less substance use for CBT subjects and that hostility and lower treatment motivation would be associated with less substance use for GMI subjects. Three of the hypothesized moderators were empirically supported: alexithymia, network support for alcohol, and ASPD. Results indicate the use of assessing specific patient attributes to better inform treatment recommendations.

Moderators of Effects of Motivational Enhancements to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Patient treatment matching hypotheses were tested for substance users randomly assigned to a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; n = 114) or a group motivational intervention (GMI; n = 116). Treatment was scheduled twice weekly for 10 weeks. Using a patient attribute by treatment interaction design with a 15-week follow-up, the study predicted that alexithymia, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and network support for alcohol and drug use would be associated with less substance use for CBT subjects and that hostility and lower treatment motivation would be associated with less substance use for GMI subjects. Three of the hypothesized moderators were empirically supported: alexithymia, network support for alcohol, and ASPD. Results indicate the use of assessing specific patient attributes to better inform treatment recommendations.

Addressing group dynamics in a brief motivational intervention for college student drinkers.

Previous research indicates that brief motivational interventions for college student drinkers may be less effective in group settings than individual settings. Social psychological theories about counterproductive group dynamics may partially explain this finding. The present study examined potential problems with group motivational interventions by comparing outcomes from a standard group motivational intervention (SGMI; n = 25), an enhanced group motivational intervention (EGMI; n = 27) designed to suppress counterproductive processes, and a no intervention control (n = 23). SGMI and EGMI participants reported disruptive group dynamics as evidenced by low elaboration likelihood, production blocking, and social loafing, though the level of disturbance was significantly lower for EGMI individuals (p = .001). Despite counteracting group dynamics in the EGMI condition, participants in the two interventions were statistically similar in post-intervention problem recognition and future drinking intentions. The results raise concerns over implementing individually-based interventions in group settings without making necessary adjustments.

A group motivational treatment for chemical dependency.

Patient "motivation" has been implicated as a critical component in addiction treatment outcomes. To date, treatments utilizing motivational elements have been conducted as individual interventions. We describe the development of a Group Motivational Intervention (GMI), a four-session, manual-driven group approach that employs key hypothesized motivational elements. These include the six motivational elements derived by Miller and Sanchez (1994) from successful alcoholism treatments, described with the acronym, FRAMES (feedback, responsibility, advice, menu of options, empathy, and self-efficacy). GMI is additionally informed by concepts derived from "self-determination theory" (Deci & Ryan, 1985), concerned with understanding motivation as either internal/autonomous or external/controlled. Evidence indicates that people will value and persist longer in behaviors that they perceive as autonomously motivated. GMI techniques utilize the interpersonal factors found to be autonomy-supportive in self-determination theory. Preliminary results from a randomized clinical trial suggest that key motivational processes are affected by GMI: patients perceive the GMI environment and group leader as significantly more "autonomy supportive" than treatment "as usual."

Failure of a 2-hour motivational intervention to alter recurrent drinking behavior in alcoholics with gastrointestinal disease.

Patients (N = 114) consecutively entering a medical service with ulcer, cirrhosis or pancreatitis, currently drinking and not currently active in alcoholism treatment were randomly assigned to motivational intervention (MI) or to a control group. Increased utilization of alcoholism programs and self-reported sobriety at 10 weeks were assessed. MI consisted of three separate discussions of the relationship of the patient's disease to continued drinking and the compassionate offer of treatment. Two persons skilled in treatment also met with each MI subject and discussed treatment possibilities for them, facilitating entrance if desired. Patients in both the MI and control group were treated for their medical condition by a medical team and alcoholism treatment was always recommended. Outcome was evaluated for the period from the 10th to the 16th week after return to the community by interview of patient and household contacts and by the keeping of appointments. There were no differences between the control and MI groups, with at least 38% remaining sober for the 10-week interval; the study size was sufficient to detect reliably a 30% improvement. We conclude that additional motivational intervention to this level was not beneficial to the hospitalized alcoholic with disease. There was a statistically significant increase in sobriety among patients who either undertook alcoholism therapy, accepted all parts of the study or kept clinical appointments.