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Virtual Agent for Real-Time Motivational Interviewing by Integrating Adaptive Nonverbal Behavior and Language Models
Published on: December 23, 2025
Motivational interviewing and pediatric health behavior interventions
Mariann Suarez1, Sharon Mullins
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. msuarez1@health.usf.edu
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|October 15, 2008
Summary
Motivational interviewing (MI) is an effective approach for pediatric health behavior change. Research shows MI holds promise for improving health outcomes in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral medicine
- Pediatric health
- Health psychology
Background:
- Motivational interviewing (MI) is a well-established intervention in adult behavioral medicine and addiction treatment.
- Recent research indicates MI's effectiveness in pediatric health behavior change settings.
- This article reviews MI's application in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe motivational interviewing (MI) and differentiate it from other pediatric interventions.
- To review outcome studies of MI for health behavior change in pediatric populations (≤18 years) and parents.
- To discuss implications for clinical practice, research, and training in MI for pediatrics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of outcome studies on MI for pediatric health behavior change.
- Comparative analysis of MI with other pediatric counseling and medical management approaches.
Main Results:
- MI is an empirically supported intervention with a growing evidence base in pediatric populations.
- Studies demonstrate the promise of MI for facilitating health behavior change in young individuals.
- MI differs from traditional pediatric approaches by emphasizing collaboration and autonomy.
Conclusions:
- Motivational interviewing is a viable and effective intervention for pediatric health behavior change.
- Further research and clinical training are needed to optimize MI's implementation in pediatric settings.
- MI offers a promising avenue for improving health outcomes in children and adolescents.
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