1 - (SYM 28) Title: Effects of a Brief Motivational Interviewing Training Across Professional Domains: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Body
[Introduction]
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely used in Japan. However, for clients who lack sufficient motivation for treatment, a substantial body of research has demonstrated that motivational interviewing (MI) can enhance motivation for engagement in therapy and subsequently improve clinical outcomes. Despite this evidence, the use of MI in Japan remains largely limited to medical and counseling settings, making the expansion of its application to other professional domains an important challenge.
The present study examined the effectiveness of a brief, standardized MI training workshop delivered to both clinical and non-clinical professionals using a randomized controlled trial design.

[Method]
A total of 226 professionals from psychology, healthcare, education, welfare services, and human resources were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either an intervention group receiving a one-day MI workshop or a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at a one-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included MI-consistent responding assessed via observer-rated performance measures, as well as self-reported self-efficacy, empathy, and burnout.

[Result]
Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant Group×Time interaction for MI-consistent responding, self-efficacy, and empathy, indicating greater improvements in the intervention group compared with controls. To further explore individual and professional factors associated with intervention effects, multiple regression analyses were conducted. These analyses showed that intervention effects were largely consistent across sex, age, years of professional experience, and area of expertise. Importantly, no differential effects were observed between healthcare and psychology professionals and those working in education, welfare, or human resources.

[Discussion]
These findings indicate that even brief MI training can enhance communication skills and psychological resources relevant to supportive professional interactions across diverse occupational domains. The absence of occupational differences highlights the scalability and broad applicability of MI training beyond traditional clinical settings. This study provides empirical support for expanding MI training as a complementary approach to CBT-oriented practices and contributes to the dissemination of evidence-based communication strategies across the Japanese workforce.