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The Impact of Significant Others in Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Findings from Project MATCH

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social network support for abstinence has been associated with improved treatment outcomes among samples of individuals with alcohol use disorders. As a result, research studies have focused on the inclusion of significant others (SOs) in the treatment process. Nonetheless, little is known about 1) the specific influence SOs may have on clients during treatment sessions or 2) whether SO within-session behaviors have any relationship to client post-treatment drinking. METHOD: In the current study, Motivational Enhancement Therapy sessions in which a SO was present were coded using a behavioral coding system designed to measure SO and client within-session language. RESULTS: Relationships were observed between SO and client within-session language. Furthermore, some specific SO categories of language predicted post-treatment client drinking. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first systematic evaluation of SO contributions in substance abuse treatment sessions. Future research examining SO language in the treatment of alcohol use disorders might allow clinicians to avoid contributions from SOs that are associated with poorer drinking outcomes.

Source: Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy

DOI: 10.1017/s1352465811000592

Authors: Jennifer K. Manuel, Jon M. Houck, Theresa B. Moyers

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of New Mexico

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse