Strength of Commitment Language in Motivational Interviewing and Gambling Outcomes

The purpose of the present study was to examine the mechanisms by which the motivational interview (MI) is an effective treatment for pathological gambling. Forty MIs with pathological gamblers were transcribed and coded for language content and strength of expression. As hypothesized, participants...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychology of addictive behaviors 2009-03, Vol.23 (1), p.122-130
Main Authors: Hodgins, David C, Ching, Laurie E, McEwen, Jamie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Aged
Behavior Therapy - methods
Behavior, Addictive - psychology
Behavior, Addictive - therapy
Biological and medical sciences
Clinical outcomes
Commitment
Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders - psychology
Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders - therapy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Gambling - psychology
Gambling Disorder
Human
Humans
Intention
Interview, Psychological
Language
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Miscellaneous
Motivation
Motivational Interviewing
Pathological gamblers
Pathological gambling
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Readiness
Self Efficacy
Therapeutic Processes
Treatment Outcome
Treatment Outcomes
Treatments
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Summary:The purpose of the present study was to examine the mechanisms by which the motivational interview (MI) is an effective treatment for pathological gambling. Forty MIs with pathological gamblers were transcribed and coded for language content and strength of expression. As hypothesized, participants who expressed stronger commitment to change their gambling behavior during the MI exhibited better gambling outcomes over 12 months than did those who expressed weaker commitment or no commitment to change their gambling behavior during the MI. Contrary to expectation, commitment strength in the latter part of the MI was not a stronger predictor of gambling outcome. Expression of desire, ability, need, reasons, and readiness for change were not predictive of outcome. Ability and readiness were associated with commitment. This study has important implications for clinical monitoring of client treatment success and for improving the MI.
ISSN:0893-164X
1939-1501
DOI:10.1037/a0013010