Does 'motivational interviewing' prevent substance abuse?
We have previously discussed the success of motivational interviewing and this recent meta analysis concluded that the technique is the leading evidence-based approach for young people not in treatment, even if delivered briefly and by non-specialist staff. The authors do raise some qualifications, however, and Mike Ashton in 'Findings' raises others. For example, some results were not statistically significant and Mike raises doubts as to whether the motivational nature of the interventions was always the key active ingredient. The overall approach remains valuable, however, particularly using the skill of reflective listening, "to 'play back' to the client an elaborated version of their own comments".
Links:
Effectiveness of motivational interviewing interventions for adolescent substance use behavior change: A meta-analytic review. Abstract from Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology