Primary Research Area: My research focuses on the active mechanisms in empirically-based addictions treatments, particularly motivational interviewing. Specifically, I am interested in exploring client language during MI sessions and its possible influence on substance use outcomes. In addition, my research explores so called "common" factors, such as empathy, as possible explanations for the effectiveness of treatments. Finally, I am interested in how we teach complex empirically-based treatments like MI to frontline addictions treatment providers
Current Projects:
Testing Theory Based Training in Motivational Interviewing (Project ELICIT, NIDA, 1R01DA021227-01), Principal Investigator
Completed Projects:
Motivational Interviewing to Prevent Alcohol Abuse (Project AFTER, DAMD 17--1-1-0681), Principal Investigator
How Does Motivational Interviewing Prevent Alcohol Abuse? (Project PREMIR, NIAAA, 1R01AA13696-01, Principal Investigator
Current Graduate Students and Post-doctorate Fellows:
Richman Family Visiting Professor: University of Maryland School of Social Work 2012-2014
Selected Research Publications:
Moyers, T. B. & Miller, W. R. (in press). Is low therapist empathy toxic? Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.
Moyers, T. B. (2011). Disseminating motivational interviewing in psychiatric and adolescent populations: Optimism and a few worries. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 56(11), pp 641- 642.
Hallgren, K.A. & Moyers, T. B. (2011). Does readiness to change predict in-session motivational language? Correspondence between two conceptualizations of client motivation. Addiction, 106 (7), 1261-1269.
Glynn, L. H., & Moyers, T. B. (2010). Chasing change talk: The clinician's role in evoking client language about change. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 39, 65-70.
Moyers, T. B., Martin, T., Houck, J.M., Christopher, P.J. & Tonigan, J.S. (2009). From in-session behaviors to drinking outcomes: A causal chain for motivational interviewing. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(6), 1113-1124.
Moyers, T. B. , Manuel, J.K., Wilson, P., Hendrickson, S.M.L., Talcott, W. & Durand, P. (2008). A randomized trial investigating training in motivational interviewing for behavioral health providers. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36, 149-162.
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of NM