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Impact of Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Motivational-Type Interviews on Participants' Language and Subsequent
Karla D Llanes1, Jon Amastae2, Paul C Amrhein3
1Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Motivational interviewing can be delivered face-to-face or via computer, with both methods eliciting "change talk." Computer-delivered motivational interviewing (MI) may be a viable option for behavior change interventions.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Motivational interviewing (MI) is a common technique for behavior change.
- Change talk during MI predicts subsequent behavior change.
- Previous research has not compared face-to-face MI with computer-mediated MI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare "change talk" and behavior change between face-to-face and computer-mediated motivational-type interviews (MTIs).
- To investigate marijuana use reduction in young adults discussing ambivalence.
Main Methods:
- 150 participants ambivalent about marijuana use were randomized to face-to-face or computer-mediated MTI.
- Interviews were coded for "change talk" and "sustain talk."
- Marijuana use reduction was assessed at 2-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Face-to-face MTIs had higher word counts but similar overall "change talk" and "sustain talk" compared to computer-mediated MTIs.
- Face-to-face MTIs showed a trend towards greater reasons for reduction and readiness to not use marijuana.
- The association between "change talk" and reduced marijuana use at follow-up differed by MTI format.
Conclusions:
- Both face-to-face and computer-mediated MTIs elicit "change talk" and "sustain talk."
- Motivational interviewing may be adaptable to text-based computer platforms.
- Further research is needed to improve the predictive validity of computer-delivered MI language.
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