Impact of motivational interviewing on participation and outcome in residential alcoholism treatment

Tested motivational interviewing (a strategy to increase motivation for change) as a preparation for residential alcoholism treatment. 28 consecutive alcoholism admissions to a psychiatric hospital were assigned alternately to receive or not to receive a 2-session motivational assessment and interview shortly after intake, in addition to standard evaluation and treatment procedures. Patients who received the motivational interview participated more fully in treatment (as evidenced by therapist ratings) and showed significantly lower alcohol consumption at a 3-mo follow-up interview. The beneficial effects of motivational interviewing on outcome were mediated by increased participation in treatment. The extent to which the received treatment outcome conformed to patients' pretreatment expectations was predictive of outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)