Citation

Gerassi LB, Esbensen K. J. Soc. Work 2021; 21(4): 676-695.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1468017320919856

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

SummaryMotivational interviewing is an evidence-based practice designed to collaboratively strengthen a person?s commitment to change. Used in a wide variety of practice settings, motivational interviewing is recommended for use with individuals who are at risk of sex trafficking when discussing sex trading or relationships with potential traffickers. However, little is known about the uses of motivational interviewing with this population in practice. The current study examined whether and how social workers who encounter individuals at risk of sex trafficking use motivational interviewing. We explored perceptions of motivational interviewing use, applicability, and engagement practices by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 24 hour service providers in a Midwest region.

FINDINGSPractitioners discussed a wide variety of perceptions of motivational interviewing, ranging from completely unfamiliar, to inapplicable to their service population, to favoring its use. Those who did implement motivational interviewing described challenges to engagement with this population and provided examples in which they did not validate the clients? perceived benefits of situations that enhanced their risk, a principal tenant of motivational interviewing. Such actions may have contributed to practitioner-client discord and ultimately reduced clients? engagement.

ApplicationsProviders who encounter sex trafficking in practice should be trained in the use of motivational interviewing and applicability, specifically regarding how to validate the client?s internal arguments for and against sex trading and related behaviors. Future research should continue to understand whether and how motivational interviewing can be adapted for transient populations, and continue testing the efficacy of motivational interviewing with these populations.

Keywords: Human trafficking;

Language: en

Keywords

best practice; counseling; evidence based practice; practitioner research; qualitative research; Social work