Ilse Dubelaar

Parnassiagroep, Netherlands

Title: The influence of motivation on therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in adolescent mental health and addiction care

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Biography

Abstract

Aims

Several studies have shown that the perceived first-session alliance is associated with better treatment outcomes in adolescents. Research also indicates that treatment motivation at the start of treatment is predictive of treatment outcomes, with higher initial motivation linked to better results. However, the relationship between motivation and alliance has not been extensively studied. This study examined the relationship between alliance and motivation and tested the effect of motivation on the association between perceived alliance at the start of treatment and treatment outcomes. Method A total of 127 adolescents (ages 13-23) participating in outpatient treatment in youth mental health and addiction services rated their motivation, alliance, and symptom severity at the first session. Their symptom severity was assessed again after 4 months. Findings We found a relationship between alliance and treatment readiness, however hierarchical regression analysis showed  no moderation effect by motivation on the relationship between alliance and treatment outcome.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to disentangle the factors alliance, motivation, goal setting and treatment outcome. This could enhance engagement and treatment efficacy, leading to better outcomes for adolescents undergoing treatment.