Say it aloud: Measuring change talk and user perceptions in an automated, technology-delivered adaptation of motivational interviewing delivered by video-counsellor

Abstract

Motivational Interviewing is a widely used counselling technique. A fundamental principle of this technique is that hearing oneself argue for change strengthens motivation. This study presents the first analysis of participants' dialogue with an automated motivational interviewer. The objective was to explore communication with, and perceptions of, a technology-delivered adaptation of motivational interviewing (TAMI) delivered by a pre-recorded video-counsellor. Eighteen participants undertook the video interview and evaluated it after one week. Interviews were scored for change and sustain talk. Participants' written evaluations were subjected to thematic analysis. Interviews lasted 10 min 30s (SD 3 min 0 s). Change talk was observed in a mean of 16 of 25 responses (SD 3.35, range 11–21). Sustain talk was less frequent (mean = 3.4 replies, SD = 2.5, range 0 to 8). Participants disliked seeing their own image in the webcam and desired a personalised interaction where each question depended on the answer given to the previous one. Positive appraisals included space to think about motivation and plans, and hearing themselves voicing goals. A brief, generic, automated TAMI elicited change talk and was perceived as motivating.

The effects of a web-based computer-tailored diet and physical activity intervention based on self-determination theory and motivational interviewing: A randomized controlled trial

“…For example, we advise to offer content that is more relevant to the participants, by using even more personalization (for example in language and use of multimedia) to achieve a better intervention fit. A second example is to use more genuine SDT/MI strategies such as expressing empathy or promoting self-efficacy from the moment we approach the target group to participate in the intervention ( Coumans et al, 2021b ; Shingleton and Palfai, 2016 ; Galvao Gomes da Silva et al, 2020 ). In addition, it is useful to examine the effectiveness of the added value of SDT/MI or combining diet and PA behavior in an intervention versus focusing on a single behavior in another study.…”