From in-session behaviors to drinking outcomes: A causal chain for motivational interviewing

TitleFrom in-session behaviors to drinking outcomes: A causal chain for motivational interviewing
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsMoyers, TB, Martin, T, Houck, JM, Christopher, PJ, Tonigan, SJ
JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Volume77
Pagination1113-1124
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association
Place PublishedUS
Publication Languageeng
ISBN Number0022-006X1939-2117
Accession Number2009-22711-010
Keywordsalcohol, Alcohol Rehabilitation, behavior change, Causal Analysis, causal chain, client change talk, Cognitive Mediation, mediation, motivational interviewing, Therapists, Treatment Outcomes
Abstract

Client speech in favor of change within motivational interviewing sessions has been linked to treatment outcomes, but a causal chain has not yet been demonstrated. Using a sequential behavioral coding system for client speech, the authors found that, at both the session and utterance levels, specific therapist behaviors predict client change talk. Further, a direct link from change talk to drinking outcomes was observed, and support was found for a mediational role for change talk between therapist behavior and client drinking outcomes. These data provide preliminary support for the proposed causal chain indicating that client speech within treatment sessions can be influenced by therapists, who can employ this influence to improve outcomes. Selective eliciting and reinforcement of change talk is proposed as a specific active ingredient of motivational interviewing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

URL10.1037/a0017189http://libproxy.unm.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2009-22711-010&login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=sitetmoyers@unm.eduhttp://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ccp/77/6/1113/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
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