Motivational Interviewing Skill Code Research Articles

The influence of age on brief motivational intervention for unhealthy alcohol use.

The influence of age on brief motivational interventions (BMI) effects remains unknown. In the present study, we explored whether change in alcohol consumption after BMI differs across age groups and whether these differences are reflected in motivational interviewing (MI) counsellor skills. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial among emergency room (ER) patients screened for unhealthy alcohol consumption. Participants (N = 97, 80 % men, 18-21y: 19.6 %, 22-29y: 22.7 %, 30-49y: 34.0 % and ≥50y: 23.7 %) received a single BMI in the ER, which was coded using the MI Skills Code 2.0. Alcohol outcomes were measured at 12-month. First, we tested whether BMI effect varied by age group using negative binomial regression for weekly drinking consumption, and logistic regression for change to low-risk drinking. Second, MI counsellor skills (global ratings of empathy, MI spirit and acceptance, and percentages of open questions, complex reflections (CR) and MI-consistent behaviors) were examined through one-way ANOVA or Welch test. The 22-29y group i) reported lower consumption at follow-up compared to the 30-49y group (IRR=1.60, p = .04) and the ≥ 50y group (IRR=1.67, p = .03), and ii) was more likely to change to low-risk drinking than the 18-21y group (OR=11.25, p = .04). When comparing MI counsellor skills across age groups, higher empathy ratings (F(3,93)= 2.70, p = .05) and a higher percentage of CR (F(3,93)= 4.10, p = .009) were recorded for the 22-29y group. This exploratory study shows that BMI was associated with significantly better 12-month alcohol outcomes among patients aged 22-29 years, which corresponded with higher counsellor empathy ratings and percentage of CR.

Learning & motivational talk in smoking cessation interventions: An examination of session language in two randomized trials

ObjectivesMotivational Interviewing (MI), a client-centered approach that seeks to evoke and resolve ambivalence, and health education (HE), which provides health information and advice, may both provide some benefit to unmotivated smokers. In HE, it is possible that client language reflective of new learning, or “learning talk” (LT), and rejection of health advice, or “rejection talk,” (RT), may uniquely reflect intent of subsequent behavior change. MethodsThis project utilized MI and HE sessions from two randomized clinical trials (RCTs), one in a low-income, diverse community civilian sample of 255 unmotivated smokers, and the other in a sample of Veterans with mental illness who were unmotivated smokers (n = 55).Mixed methods approaches were utilized to reliably code sessions using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code 2.5 (MISC 2.5)1 and a refined Learning Talk coding system2. ResultsReliability of LT and RT codes ranged from fair to excellent (ICCs from 0.43–0.93). ConclusionLT appears to be a unique construct and its impact on post-session changes in smoking is warranted. Practice implicationsThis system can be used in a study to code existing interventions for smokers using both MI and HE techniques and relate in-session client LT to subsequent smoking behaviors.

Patient motivation and adherence in metacognitive therapy for major depressive disorder: an observational study

ABSTRACT The aim of this observational study was to examine the predictive and discriminant validity of patient motivation and adherence in metacognitive therapy (MCT) for depression. Motivational development for recovered- and non-recovered patients was also investigated. Motivation in sessions 1, 4, and 7 was measured using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code 2.5 (MISC) in a 10-session trial of MCT for depression (N = 37). Adherence was assessed with the CBT compliance measure in session 7. The Beck Depression Inventory measured treatment outcome at 3-year follow-up. Recovered patients developed significantly more change talk and taking steps, and less sustain talk, as therapy progressed, compared to non-recovered patients. Evidence of the predictive validity of motivation in sessions 1 and 4 was limited. Higher sustain talk and taking steps in session 7 were significant predictors of more and less depressive symptoms, respectively. There was a moderate-strong correlation between motivation and adherence. The results confirm the predictive value of MISC in sessions 7 of MCT for depression, and establish differential motivational development between recovered and non-recovered patients. Subsequent research should clarify the discriminant validity and temporal relationships between motivation, adherence, and other clinical variables.

The role of the relational context and therapists' technical behaviors in brief motivational interviewing sessions for heavy alcohol consumption: Findings from a sample of Latinx adults

IntroductionMotivational interviewing (MI) theory and process research highlights the role of therapist technical and relational behaviors in predicting client in-session statements for or against behavior change (i.e., change and sustain talk, respectively). These client statements, in turn, have been shown to predict intervention outcomes. The current study examines sequential associations between therapist behaviors and client change and sustain talk in a sample of Latinx individuals who engage in heavy alcohol consumption. DataData are from a completed randomized clinical trial of a culturally adapted (CAMI) versus unadapted MI targeting alcohol use and consequences among Latinx individuals. MethodThe study collected observational coding data with the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC 2.5, i.e., therapist behaviors and global ratings) and the Client Language Assessment – Proximal/Distal (CLA-PD, i.e., client language). Frequentist and Bayesian sequential analyses examined the relationship among nine different categories of therapist behaviors and three different categories of client language (i.e., change talk, sustain talk, neutral). We examined odds ratios and conditional probabilities for the direction, magnitude, and significance of the association between the use of MI technical behaviors and subsequent client statements about change. The study compared these same transitional associations between low/average (i.e., <4) and high (i.e., ≥4) MI Spirit sessions. ResultsThe pattern of results was replicated across both analytic frameworks. Questions and reflections about change talk versus sustain talk versus neutral statements showed greater odds of predicting the intended client response (i.e., change talk, sustain talk, neutral, respectively) compared to other possible client responses. Conditional probabilities for these transitions were high, ranging from 0.55 to.88. The magnitude of certain technical transitions significantly differed between low/average and high MI Spirit sessions. ConclusionsAnalyses supported the hypothesized associations between therapist use of technical MI behaviors and client change language within this Latinx sample. Analyses of MI Spirit as a moderator of these transitions showed partial support.

Examining the Impact of Race on Motivational Interviewing Implementation and Outcomes with HIV+ Heavy Drinking Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Motivational interviewing (MI)-based interventions focus on changing behavior through building client motivation. It is unknown how racial mismatch between clients and providers may impact MI implementation and subsequent behavior. We used a mixed methods approach to examine differences in Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC) coded sessions and post-session outcomes between a sample of HIV-positive cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) participants of an MI-based intervention to reduce heavy drinking who identified as persons of color (POC; n = 19) and a matched sample of White participants (n = 19). We used quantitative methods to analyze how providers implemented the intervention (i.e., MISC codes) and post-session drinking. We used qualitative analyses of session transcripts to examine content not captured by MISC coding. Quantitative analyses showed that providers asked fewer open-ended questions and had a lower ratio of complex reflections to simple reflections when working with POC participants, but no significant differences were observed in drinking post-intervention between participants. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants discussed how racial and sexual orientation discrimination impacted their drinking. Allowing clients to share their experiences and to explore individually meaningful reasons for behavioral change may be more important than strict adherence to MI techniques.

Application of motivational interviewing strategies with the extended parallel process model to improve risk communication for parents of children with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Current genetic counseling practice has not been found to significantly increase risk communication between family members. A more diverse set of genetic counseling approaches may be needed. A genetic counseling intervention based on motivational interviewing principles and the extended parallel process model was utilized to increase cascade outcomes within families with familial hypercholesterolemia, a common, underdiagnosed, and treatable condition. Parents of children with familial hypercholesterolemia were invited to participate in an online pre-survey, single-session genetic counseling intervention, and post-intervention surveys as a part of the CHEERS (Cholesterol Evaluation to Explore Risk Screening) intervention. This study investigated the efficacy of a genetic counselor delivered motivational interviewing intervention and how parents of children with familial hypercholesterolemia react by assessing family member cholesterol screening and risk communication to at-risk relatives. Transcripts were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for change talk using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code version 2.1. Participant surveys were analyzed for self-reported extended parallel process constructs and motivations. Coincidence analysis was conducted to explore differences between those with and without positive cascade outcomes within 12months after the intervention. On average, change talk increased during the session in order of the extended parallel process constructs (perceived severity, susceptibility, response efficacy, self-efficacy). Coincidence analysis revealed that 6 of the 7 cases with positive cascade outcomes were explained by either the presence of high change talk during the intervention or presence of positive motivations shortly after, while 5 of the 5 cases without a positive outcome lacked both of these key factors that were associated with cascade outcomes. Results of this study suggest that incorporating motivational interviewing and the extended parallel process model increases change talk and that the presence of either high levels of change talk or positive motivations is associated with positive cascade outcomes.

Patient motivation in group metacognitive therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of motivational language (change talk [CT] and sustain talk [ST]) on treatment outcome of group metacognitive therapy (g-MCT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Method: Video recordings of the first, fourth, and seventh therapy sessions (55 patients) were encoded using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC) manual. The strength of the patients’ motivational utterances was encoded as CT or ST with seven subcategories. Results: The strength of CT-utterances and ST-utterances differed significantly between treatment responders and non-responders as therapy progressed. The strength of ST-utterances increased significantly more among non-responders than responders, whereas CT and positive taking steps utterances increased more among treatment responders than non-responders. CT and ST in session 1 were not associated with treatment outcome. CT and ST in sessions 4 and 7 significantly predicted lower and higher worry-scores at post-treatment, respectively. This effect was particularly evident for taking steps utterances in session 7. Conclusion: These findings confirm the predictive value of MISC in sessions 4 and 7 of g-MCT for GAD and highlight the importance of therapists addressing patient motivation.

Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Change in Motivational Interviewing for Smoking Cessation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Mixed Methods Study.

Background: For patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), smoking is an important risk factor for the recurrence of a cardiovascular event. Motivational interviewing (MI) may increase the motivation of the smokers to stop smoking. Data on MI for smoking cessation in patients with CAD are limited, and the active ingredients and working mechanisms of MI in smoking cessation are largely unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to explore active ingredients and working mechanisms of MI for smoking cessation in smokers with CAD, shortly after a cardiovascular event.Methods: We conducted a qualitative multiple case study of 24 patients with CAD who participated in a randomized trial on lifestyle change. One hundred and nine audio-recorded MI sessions were coded with a combination of the sequential code for observing process exchanges (SCOPE) and the motivational interviewing skill code (MISC). The analysis of the cases consisted of three phases: single case analysis, cross-case analysis, and cross-case synthesis. In a quantitative sequential analysis, we calculated the transition probabilities between the use of MI techniques by the coaches and the subsequent patient statements concerning smoking cessation.Results: In 12 cases, we observed ingredients that appeared to activate the mechanisms of change. Active ingredients were compositions of behaviors of the coaches (e.g., supporting self-efficacy and supporting autonomy) and patient reactions (e.g., in-depth self-exploration and change talk), interacting over large parts of an MI session. The composition of active ingredients differed among cases, as the patient process and the MI-coaching strategy differed. Particularly, change talk and self-efficacy appeared to stimulate the mechanisms of change “arguing oneself into change” and “increasing self-efficacy/confidence.”Conclusion: Harnessing active ingredients that target the mechanisms of change “increasing self-efficacy” and “arguing oneself into change” is a good MI strategy for smoking cessation, because it addresses the ambivalence of a patient toward his/her ability to quit, while, after the actual cessation, maintaining the feeling of urgency to persist in not smoking in the patient.

Examining client self-exploration in motivational interviewing: Preliminary psychometrics of an observational rating measure

PurposeWe examine in-session self-exploration among Latinx heavy drinkers who received a motivational interview (MI) to reduce heavy drinking. The goals of this study are to report the validity and reliability of an adaptation of the Global Client Rating for Self-Exploration from the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC SE). MethodThe study measured the MISC SE as three subscales (Emotional, Cognitive, New Learning/Developing Discrepancy SE) to assess underlying processes that might allow for higher predictive validity in relation to behavioral change (drinking) outcomes. The study created a dichotomous variable, Personally Relevant Vulnerable Making (PR-VM), to distinguish the disclosure of particularly sensitive material related to drinking behavior. The study used the measure of Everyday Discrimination as a criterion variable for the PR-VM measure. The study collected observationally rated data for n = 158 participants. ResultsSubscales showed moderate correlations with the MISC SE (r = 0.421 to 0.574, p < .001). The MISC SE was not associated with number of drinking days or percent heavy drinking days at 3-month follow-up. Cognitive and New Learning/Developing Discrepancy SE were associated with fewer drinking days (r = −0.247 to −0.266, p < .005), and Cognitive SE was associated with percent heavy drinking days (r = −0.169, p < .05), Subscale interrater reliability was comparable to the MISC SE (ICC = 0.72 to 0.86). The study observed higher mean scores on the Everyday Discrimination scale when session PR-VM was present than when not present (t (df = 118) = −3.02, p < .005). ConclusionsThe subscale adaptation of the SE measure may provide a sensitive approach to understanding how self-exploration relates to behavior change in the context of MI.

Rolling with resistance: A client language analysis of deliberate practice in continuing education for psychotherapists

AbstractContinuing education workshops have been criticised for focusing on knowledge rather than skill acquisition by a focus on didactic teaching methods. A recent randomised controlled trial conducted by Westra et al. (2020) demonstrated that a deliberate practice (DP) training workshop for responding to ambivalence and resistance resulted in longer‐lasting skill acquisition than the same workshop in a traditional, more didactic format. The present study examined whether this same DP workshop was also efficacious at the level of client motivational language in 4‐month post‐testing interviews used to assess trainee skill in the Westra et al. parent study. Sixty therapists from the community (30 = DP and 30 = traditional) conducted an interview with either an ambivalent simulator or an ambivalent community volunteer. Interviews were coded for interviewee motivational language using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC 1.1; Glynn &amp; Moyers, 2009). Counterchange talk (CCT) was further classified into either Ambivalent‐CCT (uttered to disclose conflict about change) or Resistant‐CCT (statements against change uttered to oppose the therapist). Results revealed a significant difference between training groups, with the DP group eliciting less Resistant‐CCT than the traditional training group. This study provides further support for the use of DP training for potentially creating more productive conversations by minimising Resistant‐CCT; a form of speech that has been found to be negatively associated with client outcomes.

Visualization and Punctuation of Psychological Counseling by Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

Improving interviewers’ skills is especially critical in the field of clinical psychology for the psychological support of clients. Although post-interview reflections are important for improving skills, most are conducted qualitatively. To prove the concept of visualization and punctuation of psychological counseling through the quantitative method in addition to the conventional qualitative method, this study attempted to combine a semi-quantitative method—Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC)—and quantitative methods—natural language processing and Motion Energy Analysis (MEA)—with qualitative evaluations. We visualized the data of a case and examined whether this contributed to reflections of psychological interviews. The results of the analyses were almost consistent at the turning point of the interview and showed agreement between the results of MISC and MEA. The approaches were found to be complementary despite the differences in the type of information (verbal or nonverbal) and evaluation methods utilized. These outcomes suggest that visualization and punctuation of communication using both quantitative and qualitative methods may be useful for reflections of interview and improving interviewing skills. Employing quantitative methods will increase the reproducibility of evaluation results and provide further insight than that gained by conventional methods. These approaches can be applied for improving the skills of interviewers (e.g., post-interview reflecting) and enhancing diverse communication-related studies and practices.

Improvement in therapist skills over sessions in brief motivational interventions predicts client language and alcohol use outcomes.

Brief motivational interventions (BMIs) are widely used and efficacious interventions that address alcohol misuse in mandated college students. Consistent with motivational interviewing (MI; Miller & Rollnick, 2013) theory, within-therapist improvements in MI-consistent (MICO) skills over time-that is, as a therapist gains skill through repeated practice-may be associated with concurrent increases in client change language and subsequent changes in behavior. This study examined how therapist skill changed over time and whether within-therapist improvement in MICO skills impacted in-session client change language and subsequent alcohol-related outcomes. BMI sessions (N = 228) from 2 randomized clinical trials that had led to significant reductions in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems in mandated student drinkers were coded using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code 2.0 (Miller, Moyers, Ernst, & Amrhein, 2003). In both studies, the BMI consisted of a single 45- to 60-min session. Analyses examined session-by-session changes in therapist MICO skills, client change language, and alcohol use outcomes. Therapist MICO skills improved over time, and there were significant increases in client change language and decreases in client discussion of topics other than personal alcohol use. Among relatively heavy-drinking clients, those treated by a more experienced therapist demonstrated greater reductions in alcohol use; however, this association was not mediated by client change language. Increased experience conducting BMIs improved therapist MICO skills over time, which in turn increased the focus on personal alcohol use during the session. However, it remains unclear how client language predicts behavior change following a BMI. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Entrevista Motivacional para Estudantes da Área da Saúde: Resultados de um Treinamento

Resumo Este estudo procurou avaliar a efetividade de um treinamento em Entrevista Motivacional (EM) para estudantes do último ano de diferentes cursos na área da saúde. Usando um delineamento pré e pós-teste quase-experimental, 60 estudantes receberam um treinamento de oito horas de habilidades básicas da Entrevista Motivacional. As habilidades foram avaliadas por meio de uma vinheta clínica, das Réguas de Confiança e Importância e do Questionário de Resposta Útil, codificado utilizando o Motivational Interviewing Skill Code. O treinamento foi associado com melhora no uso das habilidades básicas da Entrevista Motivacional. Os alunos também aumentaram a percepção da importância em utilizar essas habilidades com os pacientes, mesmo com um treinamento breve.

A sequential analysis of motivational interviewing technical skills and client responses

BackgroundThe technical hypothesis of Motivational Interviewing (MI) proposes that: (a) client talk favoring behavior change, or Change Talk (CT) is associated with better behavior change outcomes, whereas client talk against change, or Sustain Talk (ST) is associated with less favorable outcomes, and (b) specific therapist verbal behaviors influence whether client CT or ST occurs. MI consistent (MICO) therapist behaviors are hypothesized to be positively associated with more client CT and MI inconsistent (MIIN) behaviors with more ST. Previous studies typically examine session-level frequency counts or immediate lag sequential associations between these variables. However, research has found that the strongest determinant of CT or ST is the client's previous CT or ST statement. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to examine the association between therapist MI skills and subsequent client talk, while accounting for prior client talk. MethodsWe analyzed data from a manualized MI intervention targeting both alcohol misuse and sexual risk behavior in 132 adults seen in two hospital emergency departments. Transcripts of encounters were coded using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC 2.5) and an additional measure, the Generalized Behavioral Intervention Analysis System (GBIAS). Using these measures, we analyzed the association between client talk following specific classifications of MICO skills, with the client's prior statement as a potential confounder or effect modifier. ResultsWith closed questions as the reference category, therapist simple reflections and paraphrasing reflections were associated with significantly greater odds of maintaining client talk as CT or ST. Open questions and complex reflections were associated with significantly greater odds of CT following ST, were not associated significantly with more ST following ST, and were associated with more ST following CT (i.e., through an association with less Follow Neutral). ConclusionsSimple and paraphrasing reflections appear to maintain client CT but are not associated with transitioning client ST to CT. By contrast, complex reflections and open questions appeared to be more strongly associated with clients moving from ST to CT than other techniques. These results suggest that counselors may differentially employ certain MICO technical skills to elicit continued CT and move participants toward ST within the MI dialogue.

Mechanisms of Behavior Change Within Peer-Implemented Alcohol Interventions

Colleges continue to experience a high number of referred students because of campus alcohol violations. Subsequently, there has been a trend to use peer-implemented minimal interventions (PMIs), often using motivational interviewing (MI). However, little is known about how PMIs facilitate behavior change. This study aims to examine the mechanisms of behavior change within PMIs and their influence on alcohol reduction among mandated students. Participants (N = 146; mean age = 18.7 years; 67% male; 94% White) were college students who violated campus alcohol policy at a Northeastern liberal arts college who received a 15-minute PMI addressing their alcohol use. The Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (Miller et al., 2003) was used to identify peer counselor behaviors that were MI consistent (MICO), client change talk (CT), and client self-exploration. MICO behaviors were positively associated with CT and self-exploration. Client CT and self-exploration were negatively associated with alcohol-related outcomes. Furthermore, mediational models examining MICO behaviors revealed effects for two paths: (a) from MICO to client CT to reduced alcohol use; and (b) from MICO to client self-exploration to reduced alcohol-related consequences and use. These data support the primary causal chain examining the influence of MICO on in-session client behaviors and related post-session behavior change in PMIs among at-risk students.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Within-Session Client Speech on Drinking Outcomes in the COMBINE Study.

There is evidence of a causal chain in motivational interviewing (MI) involving counselor MI-consistent skills, client change language, and outcomes. MI was a key component of the combined behavioral intervention in the Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence (COMBINE) Study. Participants in COMBINE were treatment-seeking and medication-seeking, and were required to maintain a period of abstinence before enrollment. Counselors were closely monitored and were temporarily removed from the study for remediation and supervision if their performance fell below threshold. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MI causal chain among initial-session combined behavioral intervention audio recordings in this unique sample of highly motivated clients and highly monitored counselors. Session 1 audio recordings (N = 254, 73.5% men) were evaluated using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code Version 2.0 with good interrater reliability. Counselor speech was measured using a summary measure of MI-consistent behavior. Client change language was assessed, using change talk and sustain talk. The outcome measure of drinks per week was computed using the COMBINE data set. Higher sustain talk was significantly associated with increased drinking during treatment, whereas higher change talk was significantly associated with decreased drinking at the 1-year follow-up. In addition, there were significant indirect effects linking counselor behavior, client speech, and drinking both during treatment and at 1 year. Results supported the posited causal chain for MI. Despite somewhat lower variability of counselor behavior and use of a coding instrument that did not capture directional counselor behaviors, counselor behavior, client speech, and drinking outcomes were clearly linked in this unique sample.

A meta-analysis of motivational interviewing process: Technical, relational, and conditional process models of change.

In the present meta-analysis, we test the technical and relational hypotheses of Motivational Interviewing (MI) efficacy. We also propose an a priori conditional process model where heterogeneity of technical path effect sizes should be explained by interpersonal/relational (i.e., empathy, MI Spirit) and intrapersonal (i.e., client treatment seeking status) moderators. A systematic review identified k = 58 reports, describing 36 primary studies and 40 effect sizes (N = 3,025 participants). Statistical methods calculated the inverse variance-weighted pooled correlation coefficient for the therapist to client and the client to outcome paths across multiple target behaviors (i.e., alcohol use, other drug use, other behavior change). Therapist MI-consistent skills were correlated with more client change talk (r = .55, p < .001) as well as more sustain talk (r = .40, p < .001). MI-inconsistent skills were correlated with more sustain talk (r = .16, p < .001), but not change talk. When these indicators were combined into proportions, as recommended in the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code, the overall technical hypothesis was supported. Specifically, proportion MI consistency was related to higher proportion change talk (r = .11, p = .004) and higher proportion change talk was related to reductions in risk behavior at follow up (r = -.16, p < .001). When tested as two independent effects, client change talk was not significant, but sustain talk was positively associated with worse outcome (r = .19, p < .001). Finally, the relational hypothesis was not supported, but heterogeneity in technical hypothesis path effect sizes was partially explained by inter- and intrapersonal moderators. This meta-analysis provides additional support for the technical hypothesis of MI efficacy; future research on the relational hypothesis should occur in the field rather than in the context of clinical trials. (PsycINFO Database Record

Trajectories of in-session change language in brief motivational interventions with mandated college students.

Brief motivational interventions (BMIs) are currently the most efficacious individual intervention for mandated college students. However, little is known about how BMIs facilitate client language in relation to subsequent changes in alcohol use and problems in mandated student samples. The current study used the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC 2.0; Miller, Moyers, Ernst, & Amrhein, 2003) to code BMI sessions (N = 252) from 2 randomized clinical trials that led to significant reductions in alcohol use and alcohol-related problems in mandated student drinkers. A proportion of change language was calculated for each decile (1st to 10th) of the BMI sessions. Latent class analyses of in-session speech indicated that there were 3 distinct trajectories of change language over the course of the session: high (n = 59), increasing (n = 122), and low (n = 71). Members of the high trajectory group showed higher rates of alcohol-related problems prior to the BMI and members of the low trajectory group were more likely to be male. Six months following the BMI, members of the high and low trajectory groups demonstrated significant reductions in alcohol use and problems, and members of the increasing trajectory group only reduced alcohol-related problems. Associations among the 3 trajectories of client change language and subsequent reductions in alcohol use and problems partially supported the technical hypothesis of MI efficacy. Client factors as well as the nature of the discussion of personalized feedback may determine the link between in-session client language and subsequent behavior change. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effects of Motivational Interviewing Training in Career Counseling: A Pilot Study

Motivational interviewing (MI) is receiving increasing attention in the field of career counseling. Using a quasi-experimental design, this pilot study examines the impact of MI training on career counselors’ behaviors and clients’ talk within audio-recorded interviews. Eight school-based career counselors participated in the study. They audio-recorded their interviews with 30 students prior to MI training and with 32 students after it. Counselors’ behaviors and students’ talk were coded using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code 2.1. The results demonstrate mixed outcomes in terms of career counselors’ MI proficiency after the training. Career counselors’ proficiency improved in some of the indicators (percentages of MI-consistent behaviors and reflections-to-questions ratio) and worsened in others (percentages of complex reflections [% REC] and open questions). Reaching proficiency in the % REC influenced students’ change talk, but reaching proficiency in the % MICO did not. Implications for MI training and research in career counseling are discussed.

Fidelity to a motivational interviewing intervention for those with post-stroke aphasia: a small-scale feasibility study

Objective: Depression after stroke is common, and talk-based psychological therapies can be a useful intervention. While a third of stroke survivors will experience communication difficulties impeding participation in talk-based therapies, little guidance exists to guide delivery for those with aphasia. We need to understand how to adapt talk-based therapies in the presence of aphasia. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of motivational interviewing (MI) in people with post-stroke aphasia.Methods: In a small-scale feasibility study, consecutive patients admitted to an acute stroke ward were screened for eligibility. People with moderate to severe aphasia were eligible. Those consenting received an intervention consisting of up to eight MI sessions delivered twice per week over four weeks. Sessions were modified using aids and adaptations for aphasia. Session quality was measured using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC) to assess MI fidelity.Results: Three consenting patients identified early post-stroke took part; one male and two females ages ranging between 40s and 80s. Participants attended between five and eight MI sessions over four weeks. Aids and adaptations included visual cues, rating scales, and modified reflections incorporating verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Sessions were tailored to individual participant need. Threshold MISC ratings could be achieved for all participants however, ratings were reduced when aids and adaptations were not used.Discussion: This small-scale feasibility study suggests that it is feasible to adapt MI for people with moderate to severe post-stroke aphasia. These findings merit further exploration of adapted MI as an intervention for this patient group.