Motivational interviewing in smoking treatment: a review

Motivational Interviewing (MI) has proved to be effective with a wide range of addictive behaviors. However, in the case of tobacco smoking it is more difficult to demonstrate its effectiveness. MI provides specific motivational strategies for each stage of change. The aim of this paper is to review studies investigating the use of MI in the treatment of smoking in order to provide an update on its effectiveness. To this end, we reviewed the most important research published internationally and in Spain. A review of 33 selected studies leads us to conclude that it is very difficult to assess and compare the results of the studies in view of their variability and heterogeneity. Hence, it is in this area that we see the most contradictory results on its effectiveness. We therefore need more research in order to determine its reliability and possible explanations for the discrepant findings observed in studies of smoking cessation. Finally, we strongly suggest the need to know which treatment location is best, how MI functions in treatment programs and which conditions may affect its effectiveness.