Change talk sequence during brief motivational intervention, towards or away from drinking

Abstract

Transition in 'change talk' between 'away from change' and 'towards change' appears to be rare in brief motivational intervention for excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, change talk 'towards change' at the end of the intervention is associated with improved outcomes at follow-up, independently of the type of change talk at the beginning of the intervention, suggesting that it is important to end a BMI session with a positive attitude towards change by the client.