title: Motivational interviewing in internet groups: a pilot study for weight loss.
abstract: Motivational interviewing is a technique for developing and maintaining motivation. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of motivational interviewing in online weight-loss treatment groups. Twenty women participated in the 8-week minimal contact intervention, received weekly e-mailed lessons, and were randomized to two online groups using motivational interviewing, either with or without a discussion of values. Acceptability of format and content was measured following the second online group. Self-reported weight and motivation were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Qualitative analysis of group transcripts examined self-motivational statements uttered by participants during online groups. Eighty-four percent of participants reported willingness to participate again and were comfortable with the discussion topics. The average number of self-motivational statements uttered by participants did not differ by group (P=0.85) and was correlated with an increase in autonomous motivation during the 8 weeks (r=0.58, P=0.05). Higher autonomous motivation at follow-up was associated with greater weight loss (r=0.51, P<0.05). This study suggests that motivational interviewing techniques are acceptable and may be useful for targeting and maintaining motivation in online weight-loss groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kentucky, 212A Funkhouser, Lexington, KY 40506-0054, USA. kelly.webber@uky.edu
authors.forename: Kelly H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Webber
authors.forename: Deborah F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Tate
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Quintiliani
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010358:Patient Participation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020377:Self Efficacy; D015431:Weight Loss