Is Motivational Interviewing Evidence Based?

Many folks want to know, “Is Motivational Interviewing Evidence Based?” 

The short story is YES. As of the date of this blog, there are over 2,200 controlled trials on Motivational Interviewing. The evidence is clear, Motivational Interviewing is Evidence Based. Here is the most recent collection of clinical trials. 

Is Motivational Interviewing Evidence Based?

The long story is YES. In MANY different disciplines. 

Motivational interviewing is evidence based in all of the following areas:

Motivational Interviewing was developed in the early 1980’s as a more effective way of talking with “problem drinkers.” You see, people who were struggling with drinking too much didn’t always respond positively to people telling them what to do and how to do it. 

(I know?!? I mean, do you respond positively to people telling you what to do and how to do it when you are struggling with something?)

The gist of it is that Motivational Interviewing is more effective than advice giving because it mobilizes a person’s own reasons for change. 

What disciplines utilize this evidence based practice of Motivational Interviewing? Consider a client who is ambivalent about something. They have reasons to change, and reasons not to. They are contemplating change. Stuck in that place of “I know I should but…” or even, “I think I might need to, but…”

If that change is in their best interest, Motivational Interviewing could be an extremely effective tool to utilize in conversations. 

And there are more fields utilizing Motivational Interviewing every year! 

Corrections & Criminal Justice, Leadership, Animal Welfare, Financial Planning, Climate Change… So many books have been written about Motivational Interviewing I can’t keep up! 

Now WHY is Motivational Interviewing evidence based? Because talking with someone with the heartset and mindset (spirit) of empathy, compassion, partnership, supporting autonomy and choice, empowerment & curiosity is helpful. It’s also evidence-based, especially the empathy part! A provider’s ability to demonstrate accurate empathy that has withstood the test of over a half century of research as the best predictor of positive client outcomes. 

The technical aspects of MI, which are built upon the spirit of MI, include specific technical aspects including attending to, evoking, and strengthening change talk while softening sustain talk and discord. 

There’s an art to this conversation style that takes some time to acquire. 

Now does MI ever NOT work? Yes of course! The fact is, there is absolutely nothing you will do that will guarantee your client will change. Yet you CAN focus on setting the stage and showing up in ways that will support an increased chance of change!

One Motivational Interviewing evidence based research area that is particularly interesting is that using MI with someone who is READY to make change can sometimes de-motivate them. If you have a client that is highly motivated and just seeking resources from you, go for it! 

So is Motivational Interviewing Evidence Based? Does a duck quack?

Motivational Interviewing Tip of the Week: When you are talking with a client, consider what they are experiencing ambivalence about that might be in their best interest to change. Motivational interviewing has dozens and dozens of different disciplines that have been researched and demonstrate MI as an evidence based practice. The research is strong folks. 2,200 controlled clinical trials. 40 years of utilization and research.

Again, if you love to look at research, Here is the most recent compilation of clinical trials. 

MI Center for Change provides organizational Motivational Interviewing training through our online MI Academy as well as customized training.

Watch my full video here!