Testing the effectiveness of motivational interviewing as a weight reduction strategy for obese cardiac patients: a
Kathryn Graff Low1, Hannah Giasson, Stephanie Connors
1Department of Psychology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA., klow@bates.edu
Background:
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the USA and is a particular threat to those with coronary disease. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence about altering behavior.
Purpose:
This study examined the efficacy of MI compared to nutritional counseling for weight loss in a small sample of obese cardiac patients.
Method:
Participants were assigned to either MI or to nutrition counseling and followed up over 3 months. Trained undergraduate students delivered the MI intervention.
Results:
There were significant reductions in weight in women in the MI intervention, but not in men.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that MI may be effective for obese female cardiac patients, in particular, even when delivered by nonprofessional interviewers. Limitations of the study include a small sample size, nonrandomized assignment to conditions, and attrition over time.
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