Motivational interviewing : theoretical model and working mechanism

ISSN 2345-0126 (online)Purpose – usual counseling methods seeking healthy life are less effective in contemporary society. Motivational interviewing is declared as one of the best ways for changing unhealthy behaviors in short time period. The aim of this literature review is to find out how the model of motivational interviewing is made-up and how it is working in practice. Design/methodology/approach – literature review about motivational interviewing theoretical model and working mechanism was made. Findings – motivational interviewing is a patient centered counseling style which aims to support individuals to make adjustments in unhealthy behavior by reducing ambivalence and promoting self-directed changes. It has a number of characteristics which when used flexibly are crucial to the success of the counseling process. These are the demonstration of empathy, the development of discrepancy, the ability to roll with resistance and the promotion of self-efficacy. Motivational interviewing uses a guiding communication style to engage with patients, clarify their strengths and aspirations, evoke their own motivations for change, and promote autonomy of decision making. It has been successfully applied with cardiac patients, in particular for those who need to make lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, alcohol and medication adherence. Research limitations/implications – since we didn’t find any motivational interviewing research in Lithuania a question rises – how this technique works with Lithuanians. Practical implications – empirical studies should be made on how motivational interviewing affects Lithuanians. Originality/Value – motivational interviewing is an innovative counseling method in Lithuania. Knowledge about it could help patients change their unhealthy behaviorSocialinių mokslų fakultetasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta