To evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) interventions for the prevention of alcohol and alcohol-related problems in young people
The specific objectives are:
(1) To summarise the current evidence about the effects of MI intended to prevent alcohol and alcohol-related problems in young people, compared with no intervention or a different intervention, on alcohol consumption and other substantive outcome measures
(2) To investigate whether MI's effects are modified by the length of the intervention or age of young people targeted
(3) To identify areas where further research is needed
The following comparisons will be made:
(1) Brief MI versus control (placebo/no intervention)
(2) Brief MI versus alternative intervention
(3) Very brief MI versus longer MI