Developing a Group Motivational Interviewing Intervention for First-Time Adolescent Offenders At-Risk for an Alcohol or Drug Use Disorder

• NCJ Number: 232702
• Journal: Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2010 Pages: 417-436
• Author(s): Elizabeth J. D'Amico, Ph.D.; Karen Chan Osilla, Ph.D.; Sarah B. Hunter, Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2010
• Length: 20 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01DA019938
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the effectiveness of juvenile drug intervention programs.

Abstract

This study examined how teens who had committed a first-time alcohol or other drug (AOD) offense responded to a motivational interviewing (MI) group intervention. Participants were 101 first-time AOD adolescent offenders (M = 15.88; 63 percent male, 54 percent Hispanic). The authors developed and tested a six-session curriculum called Free Talk and solicited feedback from different teens after each session. Groups were recorded and transcribed. Feedback was categorized using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity scale (MITI 3.0). Feedback indicated high levels of evocation, collaboration, autonomy/support, and empathy. The current study highlights that utilizing group MI can be an acceptable approach for at-risk youth. Tables and references (Published Abstract)