Examining client self-exploration in motivational interviewing: Preliminary psychometrics of an observational rating measure

Abstract Purpose We examine in-session self-exploration among Latinx heavy drinkers who received a motivational interview (MI) to reduce heavy drinking. The goals of this study are to report the validity and reliability of an adaptation of the Global Client Rating for Self-Exploration from the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC SE). Method The study measured the MISC SE as three subscales (Emotional, Cognitive, New Learning/Developing Discrepancy SE) to assess underlying processes that might allow for higher predictive validity in relation to behavioral change (drinking) outcomes. The study created a dichotomous variable, Personally Relevant Vulnerable Making (PR-VM), to distinguish the disclosure of particularly sensitive material related to drinking behavior. The study used the measure of Everyday Discrimination as a criterion variable for the PR-VM measure. The study collected observationally rated data for n = 158 participants. Results Subscales showed moderate correlations with the MISC SE (r = 0.421 to 0.574, p  Conclusions The subscale adaptation of the SE measure may provide a sensitive approach to understanding how self-exploration relates to behavior change in the context of MI.