Citation

Morgenstern J, Kuerbis A, Houser J, Levak S, Amrhein P, Shao S, McKay JR. Psychol. Addict. Behav. 2017; 31(7): 751-762.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/adb0000317

PMID

28956934

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. (PsycINFO Database Record

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Language: en