Brief motivational intervention for substance-abusing delinquent adolescents: Guided Self-Change as a social work practice innovation.
Abstract: The article presents information on brief motivational intervention for substance-abusing delinquent adolescents. Multiple processes influence adolescent substance abuse and delinquency contributing to their acceleration and increased risk of a broad range of associated problem behaviors, mental health problems, and victimization experiences. This article describes an innovative intervention program currently undergoing a controlled clinical trial. The article describes the development of the brief motivational intervention for substance abuse, Guided Self-Change (GSC), as well as its modification for use with delinquent adolescents. Strategies are outlined to promote the flexible implementation of GSC in community settings with diverse groups of adolescents. Because GSC uses both fundamental behavioral change principles and motivational engagement strategies, it necessarily incorporates individualized treatment targets, change strategies and substance use goals based on clients’ personal experiences. It is this individualization, or ideographic perspective, that makes GSC especially promising for use with diverse client populations.
Tubman, J.G., Wagner, E.F., Gil, A.G., & Pate, K.N. (2002). Brief motivational intervention for substance-abusing delinquent adolescents: Guided Self-Change as a social work practice innovation. Health & Social Work, 27(3), 208. doi:10.1093/hsw/27.3.208