Motivational Interviewing Training for Teen Helpline

(MI Trial)

This trial aims to improve how teen volunteers assist their peers on a text-based helpline by teaching them Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills. The researchers seek to determine if MI training, with or without additional feedback and practice, enhances the volunteers' ability to support others. The trial will identify the most effective training method for a large, diverse group of teen helpers. Teens who already volunteer on the helpline and plan to continue for some time are well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers teens a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and make a meaningful impact on their peers' lives.

Research has shown that Motivational Interviewing (MI) is generally safe and well-received in various settings, including with teenagers. Studies have found that MI effectively helps teens change health habits related to diet, exercise, and managing diabetes. No major negative effects have been reported when using MI with teens, indicating that training peer helpers in MI is unlikely to cause safety issues. MI emphasizes communication and motivational techniques, which are non-invasive and have proven effective in encouraging positive behavior changes among young people.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Motivational Interviewing (MI) training protocol because it aims to enhance the effectiveness of teen helpline volunteers. Unlike standard helpline training, this trial introduces a unique approach by incorporating performance feedback and facilitated practice, which could significantly boost volunteers’ skills in motivational interviewing. This method is expected to empower volunteers to better support teens in crisis, potentially leading to more meaningful and impactful interactions compared to the usual training methods. The trial seeks to uncover whether these additional training components can make a tangible difference in the quality of support provided.

This trial will compare two approaches to Motivational Interviewing (MI) training for helpline volunteers. Studies have shown that MI helps teens improve health habits, such as eating better and exercising more. Research indicates that MI can lead to positive behavioral changes in teens, helping them overcome resistance and grow healthily. Evidence also suggests that MI works well in various settings, like schools, and positively affects different behaviors. Overall, these findings support the idea that Motivational Interviewing can be a powerful tool for encouraging healthy changes in teenagers.³⁴⁶⁷⁸