Tim Martin

Bio: Tim Martin is an academic researcher from Kennesaw State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Motivational interviewing & Visual cortex. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 37 publications receiving 2899 citations. Previous affiliations of Tim Martin include University of Rochester Medical Center & Northern Arizona University.

From In-Session Behaviors to Drinking Outcomes: A Causal Chain for Motivational Interviewing

Abstract: Client speech in favor of change within motivational interviewing sessions has been linked to treatment outcomes, but a causal chain has not yet been demonstrated. Using a sequential behavioral coding system for client speech, the authors found that, at both the session and utterance levels, specific therapist behaviors predict client change talk. Further, a direct link from change talk to drinking outcomes was observed, and support was found for a mediational role for change talk between therapist behavior and client drinking outcomes. These data provide preliminary support for the proposed causal chain indicating that client speech within treatment sessions can be influenced by therapists, who can employ this influence to improve outcomes. Selective eliciting and reinforcement of change talk is proposed as a specific active ingredient of motivational interviewing.

Client language as a mediator of motivational interviewing efficacy: where is the evidence?

Abstract: Background: Identifying in-session indicators of client outcomes is important in determining the mechanisms of psychotherapeutic treatments, including Motivational Interviewing (MI) The current studies sought to determine if clinician behavior influences client speech, and the extent to which client speech predicted treatment outcome in clients receiving treatment for substance abuse Methods: Study 1 examined 38 sessions from 5 sites in Project MATCH Sessions were coded using the Sequential Code for Process Exchanges (SCOPE) behavioral coding system Transition probabilities and inter-rater reliability were calculated Study 2 examined 45 sessions from the New Mexico site in Project MATCH Sessions were coded using the MISC 10 behavioral coding system Distal outcome measures were calculated for proportion of days abstinent (PDA) and drinks per drinking day (DDD) Hierarchical multiple regression and hierarchical logistic regression were used to characterize the relationship between client speech and outcome Results: In Study 1, inter-rater reliability estimates indicate that coders reliably distinguished between the categories within the SCOPE Behaviors consistent with MI (MICO) were significantly likely to be followed by client Change Talk (CT) and behaviors inconsistent with MI (MIIN) were significantly likely to be followed by Counterchange Talk (CCT) There was also a significant negative transition probability between MICO and CCT In Study 2, CT was found to account for significant portions of outcome variability beyond that attributable to baseline measures of problem severity Conclusions: Client speech during early therapy sessions appears to be a powerful predictor of substance abuse outcome The pattern of therapist behaviors and subsequent client language found in this data supports the intervention test in the causal chain we have described for motivational interviewing These studies provide preliminary support for a causal chain between therapist behaviors, subsequent client speech, and drinking outcomes within motivational interviewing sessions The results of both studies provide further support to the proposition that client speech impacts the likelihood of behavioral change, and that the occurrence of such speech is influenced by the therapist

Toward a Theory of Motivational Interviewing

Abstract: The widely disseminated clinical method of motivational interviewing (MI) arose through a convergence of science and practice. Beyond a large base of clinical trials, advances have been made toward "looking under the hood" of MI to understand the underlying mechanisms by which it affects behavior change. Such specification of outcome-relevant aspects of practice is vital to theory development and can inform both treatment delivery and clinical training. An emergent theory of MI is proposed that emphasizes two specific active components: a relational component focused on empathy and the interpersonal spirit of MI, and a technical component involving the differential evocation and reinforcement of client change talk. A resulting causal chain model links therapist training, therapist and client responses during treatment sessions, and posttreatment outcomes.

Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior

Abstract: Behavior change is a critical part of effective health care. The final decision to become healthier, however, is that of the patient and not the practitioner. Anyone who has treated patients knows ...

A randomized trial of methods to help clinicians learn motivational interviewing.

Abstract: The Evaluating Methods for Motivational Enhancement Education trial evaluated methods for learning motivational interviewing (MI). Licensed substance abuse professionals (N = 140) were randomized to 5 training conditions: (a) clinical workshop only; (b) workshop plus practice feedback; (c) workshop plus individual coaching sessions; (d) workshop, feedback, and coaching; or (e) a waiting list control group of self-guided training. Audiotaped practice samples were analyzed at baseline, posttraining, and 4, 8, and 12 months later. Relative to controls, the 4 trained groups showed larger gains in proficiency. Coaching and/or feedback also increased posttraining proficiency. After delayed training, the waiting list group showed modest gains in proficiency. Posttraining proficiency was generally well maintained throughout follow-up. Clinician self-reports of MI skillfulness were unrelated to proficiency levels in observed practice.