Toward a Theory of Motivational Interviewing

By W. Miller, G. Rose. American Psychologist, 2009

1,540 citations recorded by the source corpus.

The widely-disseminated clinical method of motivational interviewing (MI) arose through a convergence of science and practice. Beyond a large base of clinical trials, advances have been made toward “looking under the hood” of MI to understand the underlying mechanisms by which it affects behavior change. Such specification of outcome-relevant aspects of practice is vital to theory development, and can inform both treatment delivery and clinical training. An emergent theory of MI is proposed, emphasizing two specific active components: a relational component focused on empathy and the interpersonal spirit of MI, and a technical component involving the differential evocation and reinforcement of client change talk A resulting causal chain model links therapist training, therapist and client responses during treatment sessions, and post-treatment outcomes.

Subfields: Clinical Psychology, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Social Psychology

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/8b67b8e9464b2c79a83290f364c101c6c3e04e55

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Citations in the corpus

Motivation and Autonomy in Counseling, Psychotherapy, and Behavior Change: A Look at Theory and Practice 1ψ7 (2011, methodology): “W. Miller and Rose (2009) stated that MI can be considered a clinical tool " for use when client ambivalence and motivation appear to be obstacles to change " (p. 534).”
Motivational interviewing in medical care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (2013, background): “MI researchers have come a long way toward understanding its mechanism of action—a supportive relationship combined with the evocation of patient change talk [58].”
Sensory Imagery in Craving: From Cognitive Psychology to New Treatments for Addiction (2012, background): “Strengths of MI include its provision of a safe and empathic environment in which change can be contemplated and where existing concerns are amplified, while avoiding the induction of defensive responses (Miller & Rose, 2009).”
Open, aware, and active: contextual approaches as an emerging trend in the behavioral and cognitive therapies. (2011, background): “The goal is for the interviewer to occasion client “change talk,” the client’s own verbalized motivations for change (Miller & Rose 2009).”