Motivational Interviewing

BRIEF SUMMARY

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change health behavior by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Numerous studies have illustrated the efficacy of MI as a promising strategy to encourage positive health behavior change around substance abuse, oral health and diet and exercise. Specifically using brief motivational interviewing around nutrition and physical activity in the context of an office visit has shown positive results in terms of health behavior change and weight lost in both the pediatric and adult populations. MI has been found to be more effective than no treatment and in many cases more effective than other active treatments. Furthermore, MI is also believed to be more cost effective than other treatments.

KEY POINTS

RESOURCES

• Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)
• SAMHSA Motivational Interviewing
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Motivational Interviewing
• Online Training from UMASS on Motivational Interviewing
• Worksheets and Tools for Motivational Interviewing (Therapist Aid)

SHARED WISDOM

CONTENT FEEDBACK

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