Motivational interviewing: theoretical principles and its effectiveness in patients with chronic diseases
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, patient-centered approach aimed at stimulating intrinsic motivation for behavioral change by resolving ambivalence. Initially developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, MI has proven effective in managing chronic diseases and modifying risk behaviors, such as smoking cessation, improving treatment adherence, and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Methodology. Key MI strategies, such as open-ended questions, active listening, affirmations, and summaries, are essential for engaging patients and addressing barriers to treatment adherence. Although the application of these strategies varies across studies, MI has consistently demonstrated improvements in patient outcomes. Results. This review analyzes the fundamental principles, techniques, and effectiveness of MI in primary care, particularly in managing chronic diseases. Data were synthesized from over 1300 randomized studies and 150 systematic reviews and meta-analyses published since 2005, highlighting MI applications in various health behaviors and its minimum requirements for efficiency, 20 minutes per session, 1-4 sessions. For example, the strategy of “examining the benefits and drawbacks of medicine” was reported in only nine studies, while “collaborating with the patient to identify and resolve adherence difficulties” appeared in 11 studies. The use of affirmations by therapists was highlighted as a particularly effective component in promoting behavioral change. The meta-analysis conducted by Zomahoun et al. (2017) showed a significant increase in treatment compliance in groups that received MI. Studies demonstrated that MI applied in brief counseling sessions improved smoking cessation rates, yielding better results compared to traditional counseling methods. Channon et al. (2007) found a significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin values of hemoglobin (HbA1c) in teenagers with type 1 diabetes who participated in MI sessions. The meta-analysis by Vasilaki et al. (2006), which included 22 studies, revealed a 51% reduction in excessive alcohol consumption among MI participants. Hardcastle et al. (2013) demonstrated that 65% of participants in an eight-week MI program reached the recommended levels of physical activity, compared to only 35% in the control group. Local studies, such as the one published in the Journal of School Medicine in 2023 demonstrated MI’s effectiveness in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the UNICEF Program for Increasing Vaccination Coverage utilized MI to improve vaccine acceptance among parents. Discussion. MI increases adherence to chronic disease management plans by encouraging patient autonomy, resolving ambivalence, and aligning behaviors with personal goals and values. Training healthcare professionals to integrate MI into their daily practice enhances communication skills and positively impacts patient outcomes. Conclusions. Motivational interviewing is a valuable tool in primary care for supporting chronic disease management. Studies demonstrate its positive impact in various clinical contexts; however, further research is needed to standardize and optimize its long-term implementation.
Source: Medic ro
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412781887