William R. Miller

Primary Research Interests:
My fundamental research interest is in the psychology of change. I approach this from a variety of perspectives, including psychotherapy process and outcome research, studies of motivation for change, naturalistic study of transformational change, and research on the dissemination and training of innovative innovations. Most of my research has focused on the topical area of addictive behaviors, as a vehicle for understanding human motivation and change. I also have a longstanding interest in the interface of psychology with spirituality and religion, and in spiritual aspects of change.

I continue to pursue several lines of research including:

• Reviewing the effectiveness of treatments for alcohol and other drug problems
• Studies of the efficacy and processes of motivational interviewing as a stimulus for behavior change
• Treatment outcome and cost-effectiveness research; currently collaborating in NIAAA's multi-site COMBINE study evaluating combinations of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapies for alcohol dependence
• The phenomenon of "quantum change" - real-life, sudden, dramatic transformations of behavior and personality, in the mode of Ebenezer Scrooge
• Research on relationships between spirituality and health outcomes
• Optimal methods for disseminating and training new treatment methods such as motivational interviewing
• The community reinforcement approach, and unilateral interventions through family members to motivate change among treatment-resistant loved ones
• Studies of Alcoholics Anonymous

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