%0 Journal Article
%T Motivational Interviewing: moving from why to how with autonomy support
%A Ken Resnicow
%A Fiona McMaster
%J International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
%D 2012
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1479-5868-9-19
%X Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling style initially used to treat addictions [1-5]. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in numerous randomized trials across a range of conditions and settings [5-8]. Over the past 15 years, there have been considerable efforts to adapt and test MI across various chronic disease behaviors [7,9-21]. This article provides an overview of MI and its philosophic orientation and essential strategies, with an emphasis on its application to health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Because many practitioners find it difficult deciding when and how to transition from building motivation to the goal setting and planning phases of counseling, we present a new three-phase model that provides a framework for helping clinicians transition from the WHY to HOW phase; from building motivation to more action oriented counseling. Further, we discuss possible connections between elements of the three phase MI model and Self-Determination Theory.MI is an egalitarian, empathetic "way of being". It is a communication style that uses specific techniques and strategies such as reflective listening, shared decision-making, and eliciting change talk. Recently it has been defined as a "person-centered method of guiding to elicit and strengthen personal motivation for change" [22]. An effective MI practitioner is able to strategically balance the need to "comfort the afflicted" and "afflict the comfortable"; to balance the expression of empathy with the need to build sufficient discrepancy to stimulate change.One goal of MI is to assist individuals to work through their ambivalence or resistance about behavior change. MI appears to be particularly effective for individuals who are initially resistance to change [3,20,23-25]. Conversely with highly motivated individuals it may be counterproductive[26]. The tone of MI is nonjudgmental and encouraging. Counselors establish a non-confrontational and supportive climate in which clients feel comfortabl
%U http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/9/1/19