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What's wrong with motivational interviewing? I. Theoretical and methodological critiques
Lars G Forsberg1, Lisa Forsberg2, William R Miller3
1MIC Lab AB, Stockholm, Sweden.
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
|July 16, 2025
Summary
Motivational Interviewing (MI) has faced critiques regarding conceptual stability and theoretical foundations. Addressing these, particularly client language
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a widely researched intervention with over 2,000 clinical trials.
- Despite its efficacy, MI has faced theoretical and methodological criticisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine theoretical and methodological critiques of Motivational Interviewing.
- To address criticisms regarding MI's conceptual stability, theoretical foundation, and relation to common psychotherapy factors.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of three key criticisms of MI.
- Analysis of MI's conceptual stability, theoretical underpinnings, and common factors.
Main Results:
- MI definitions have evolved; provider mastery and fidelity assessment vary.
- The necessity of specific proficiency levels for client outcomes remains unclear.
- MI's theoretical foundation is debated, with proposed theories and tested predictions.
- Specific MI elements, beyond relational skills, impact client outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Critiques highlight crucial considerations for MI delivery, training, and research evaluation.
- Further research is needed to clarify MI proficiency standards and its unique contributions.
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