Motivational interviewing and the decisional balance procedure for cessation induction in smokers not intending to quit.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.08.036

Abstract

Introduction: The decisional balance (DB) procedure examines the pros and cons of behavior change and was considered a component in early formulations of Motivational Interviewing (MI). However, there is controversy and conflicting findings regarding the use of a DB exercise within the treatment of addictions and a need to clarify the role of DB as a component of MI.

Methods: College tobacco smokers (N=82) with no intentions on quitting were randomly assigned to receive a single counseling session of either Motivational Interviewing using only the decisional balance component (MIDB), or health education around smoking cessation (HE). Assessments were obtained at baseline, immediately post-treatment, 1week, and 4weeks.

Results: Compared to HE, the MIDB sessions scored significantly higher on the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) scale (all standardized differences d>1, p

Conclusions: The decisional balance exercise as formulated by earlier versions of MI may be counter-productive and cautions around its use are warranted. Instead, improved cessation outcomes appear associated with increasing perceived benefits of quitting and positive therapeutic alliance.

Journal Title

Addictive behaviors

Volume

64

First Page

171

Last Page

178

MeSH Keywords

Adult; Decision Making; Female; Humans; Intention; Male; Motivational Interviewing; Smokers; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Students; Universities

Keywords

Cessation; Decisional balance; Motivational interviewing; Tobacco; Smoking

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