Client language during motivational enhancement therapy and alcohol use outcome.
BACKGROUND
The exact link between the process engaged in during Motivational Interviewing based interventions, such as Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and outcome is yet to be fully understood.


OBJECTIVE
This preliminary study examined Client Language during MET and outcome.


METHODS
A modified Motivational Interviewing Skills Code Version 2.0 was used to code 106 audiotaped MET sessions from 28 participants who received 3-4 sessions of MET within the context of a randomized controlled trial for mild-moderate alcohol dependence. Client Language was analyzed within sessions (categorized into Early, Mid, or End Intervals) and across sessions, and in relation to six month drinking outcome (drinking within/over national drinking guidelines, i.e. Remitted/Unremitted Drinkers).


RESULTS
Unremitted Drinkers uttered a significantly higher frequency of Sustain Talk, lower Ability Language strength (over all MET and during End Intervals), and lower Commitment Language strength (during Session 2 and 4, and change over MET).


CONCLUSIONS
Notwithstanding limitations, this exploratory study was unique in examining the strength of Client Language within and across sessions. It produced potentially valuable findings that warrant further investigation including supporting the clinical benefit of monitoring Client Language to predict outcome.
Canterbury District Health Board, and University of Canterbury, New Zealand. samadhi.campbell@cdhb.govt.nz
Samadhi Deva
SD
Campbell
Simon Justin
SJ
Adamson
Janet Deborah
JD
Carter
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009520:New Zealand; D009629:Person-Centered Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012660:Semantics; D013637:Tape Recording; D013695:Temperance / Q000523:psychology; D014705:Verbal Behavior