Marijuana UseNCT06945471
Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Motivational-Type Interviews
A study testing 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews in people with Marijuana Use, run by University of Texas, El Paso at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study looks at whether in-person and computer-based motivational type interviews lead to the same kind of language and behavior change in young adults when they talk about their marijuana use. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 29 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Marijuana Use
- What is being tested?
- 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 150 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Mar 2014to 6 Sep 2019
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 29 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- A brief eligibility questionnaire assessed each respondent's age, previous marijuana use, and ambivalence about their marijuana use during the year preceding the study. Sample ambivalence items included: "During the past year I've had mixed emotions about my level of marijuana use or nonuse," and "How much have you thought about changing your marijuana use or nonuse during the past year?" Responses options ranged from 0 ("not at all") to 5 ("medium amount") to 10 ("a lot"). Respondents who were 18-29 years of age and reported at least a "medium amount" of ambivalence in response to 2 or more ambivalence questions were eligible to participate in the study. Three types of adults were recruited: non-marijuana users, occasional marijuana users, and frequent marijuana users. Non-marijuana users were defined as individuals who reported no history of marijuana use in their lifetime. Occasional marijuana users were defined as individuals who used marijuana 1-5 times during the 2 months preceding the study but fewer than 24 times during the year preceding the study. Frequent marijuana users were defined as individuals who used marijuana more than 7 times during the 2 months preceding the study and more than 24 times during the year preceding the study.
Who cannot join
- We excluded participants who did not meet the above criteria.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas, 79968
About this study
Official title: Impact of Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Motivational-Type Interviews on Participants' Language and Subsequent Cannabis Use: Randomized Controlled Trial
This study looks at whether in-person and computer-based motivational type interviews lead to the same kind of language and behavior change in young adults when they talk about their marijuana use. Researchers compared how much participants talked about wanting to change their level of marijuana use (change talk) or maintain their level of marijuana use (sustain talk) during each type of interview. Researchers investigated if change talk and sustain talk predicted who continued to use or not use marijuana. All participants completed:
- A survey assessing their frequency of marijuana use.
- A brief motivational type interview, either a face-to-face-motivational type interview or computer-mediated motivational type interview.
- A two-month follow-up survey, again assessing their level of marijuana use.
Read the detailed description
This study investigated if face-to-face motivational-type interviews (FTF-MTIs) and computer-mediated MTIs elicit the same amount of "change talk" and behavior change when young adults discuss their ambivalence about using marijuana. 150 young adults participated in the study: 50 frequent marijuana users, 50 occasional marijuana users, and 50 non-marijuana users. All participants reported being at least moderately ambivalent about their current level of marijuana use. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a brief MTI using either the standard face-to-face format or a computer-mediated format. Amrhein's manual for assessing the presence of "change talk" and "sustain talk" was used to code the language produced by respondents in each interview format. Participants' level of marijuana use was assessed at a 2-month follow-up. We hypothesized the following:
- FTF MTIs would elicit more words than computer-mediated MTIs
- FTF MTIs would take less time to complete than compute-mediated MTIs.
- Participants who used language denoting a strong commitment to reduce their marijuana use would report significantly less marijuana use at the 2-month follow-up compared with participants whose MI-type interviews contained weaker commitment language, regardless of interview format (FTF or computer-mediated).
- FTF MTIs and computer-mediated MTIs would elicit the same amount of sustain talk and change talk (e.g., desire, ability, reasons, need, commitment, and readiness statements). The latter hypothesis was exploratory because no previous research has compared these two formats for conducting MTIs.
- Conditions
- Marijuana Use
- Being tested
- 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews
- Keywords
- Motivational interviews; computer-mediated; commitment language; change talk; marijuana use; randomized study; young adults
- Medical subject headings
- Marijuana Use
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviewsBehavioural
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face motivational type (FTF MTIs) interviews | Experimental | The interviews conducted in this study were guided by 4 of the 5 major principles of MI. Specifically, the interviews (1) were nonjudgmental, (2) were empathic, (3) respected participants' autonomy, and (4) helped participants explore their ambivalence toward behavior change. However, unlike standard motivational interviews, the interviews in this study did not subtly guide participants toward reducing marijuana use. The interviews were not intended as a clinical intervention. The decision to omit the direction-oriented component of MI was guided by a single consideration: the national trend toward the legalization of recreational marijuana use. FTF MTIs were guided by a 4-page script that incorporated the main principles of MI, including reflective listening, expression of empathy, and a nonjudgmental conversational style. The script included an equal number of open-ended questions exploring the benefits and costs of using marijuana. FTF MTIs were conducted in a research office. Receives: Behavioral: 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews |
| Computer-mediated motivational type interviews (CM-MTIs) | Experimental | Computer-mediated interviews were conducted using the identical 4-page script that guided the FTF MTIs. Computer-mediated MTIs were completed via computer, with the interviewer and participant located in adjacent rooms within the same research suite used for the FTF MTIs. However, the interviewer and interviewee never met in person. Upon arrival, a research assistant greeted participants, administered Time 1 assessments, and provided instructions for using the computer's instant messaging software to communicate during the motivational-type interview. LAN Instant Messenger software (version 1.2.35, Qualia Digital Solutions) was used to conduct computer-mediated interviews and computer-mediated MTIs were saved as text files. Receives: Behavioral: 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Frequency of marijuana use at two-month follow-up
During the past two months, how many times (if any) have you smoked or consumed marijuana?
Measured: 2-month-follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Apr 2025
- Study startMar 2014
- Primary completion15 Dec 2015
- Study completion6 Sep 2019
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Marijuana UseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: 1) Face-to-face motivational type interviews or 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Texas, El Paso
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Lawrence D. Cohn, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Texas, El PasoJon Amastae, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Texas, El Paso
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06945471
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 219115-2
- Other IDs
- 5R24DA029989-05
- Status last verified
- Apr 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: The datasets generated or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. No individual raw data will be released that would compromise the anonymity or confidentiality of the participants.
Publications
Llanes KD, Amastae J, Amrhein PC, Lisha N, Arteaga K, Lopez E, Moran RA, Cohn LD. Impact of Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Motivational-Type Interviews on Participants' Language and Subsequent Cannabis Use: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Apr 25;27:e59085. doi: 10.2196/59085.
PubMed 40279644
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Impact of Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Motivational-Type Interviews on Participants' Language and Subsequent Cannabis Use: Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06945471
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 219115-2
- Conditions
- Marijuana Use
- Keywords
- Motivational interviews; computer-mediated; commitment language; change talk; marijuana use; randomized study; young adults
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Texas, El PasoUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Study start
- Mar 2014 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Dec 2015 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 Sep 2019 (actual)
- First posted
- 25 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study looks at whether in-person and computer-based motivational type interviews lead to the same kind of language and behavior change in young adults when they talk about their marijuana use. Researchers compared how much participants talked about wanting to change their level of marijuana use (change talk) or maintain their level of marijuana use (sustain talk) during each type of interview. Researchers investigated if change talk and sustain talk predicted who continued to use or not use marijuana. All participants completed:
- A survey assessing their frequency of marijuana use.
- A brief motivational type interview, either a face-to-face-motivational type interview or computer-mediated motivational type interview.
- A two-month follow-up survey, again assessing their level of marijuana use.
Detailed description
This study investigated if face-to-face motivational-type interviews (FTF-MTIs) and computer-mediated MTIs elicit the same amount of "change talk" and behavior change when young adults discuss their ambivalence about using marijuana. 150 young adults participated in the study: 50 frequent marijuana users, 50 occasional marijuana users, and 50 non-marijuana users. All participants reported being at least moderately ambivalent about their current level of marijuana use. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a brief MTI using either the standard face-to-face format or a computer-mediated format. Amrhein's manual for assessing the presence of "change talk" and "sustain talk" was used to code the language produced by respondents in each interview format. Participants' level of marijuana use was assessed at a 2-month follow-up. We hypothesized the following:
- FTF MTIs would elicit more words than computer-mediated MTIs
- FTF MTIs would take less time to complete than compute-mediated MTIs.
- Participants who used language denoting a strong commitment to reduce their marijuana use would report significantly less marijuana use at the 2-month follow-up compared with participants whose MI-type interviews contained weaker commitment language, regardless of interview format (FTF or computer-mediated).
- FTF MTIs and computer-mediated MTIs would elicit the same amount of sustain talk and change talk (e.g., desire, ability, reasons, need, commitment, and readiness statements). The latter hypothesis was exploratory because no previous research has compared these two formats for conducting MTIs.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: 1) Face-to-face motivational type interviews or 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face motivational type (FTF MTIs) interviews | Experimental | Behavioral: 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviewsThe interviews conducted in this study were guided by 4 of the 5 major principles of MI. Specifically, the interviews (1) were nonjudgmental, (2) were empathic, (3) respected participants' autonomy, and (4) helped participants explore their ambivalence toward behavior change. However, unlike standard motivational interviews, the interviews in this study did not subtly guide participants toward reducing marijuana use. The interviews were not intended as a clinical intervention. The decision to omit the direction-oriented component of MI was guided by a single consideration: the national trend toward the legalization of recreational marijuana use. FTF MTIs were guided by a 4-page script that incorporated the main principles of MI, including reflective listening, expression of empathy, and a nonjudgmental conversational style. The script included an equal number of open-ended questions exploring the benefits and costs of using marijuana. FTF MTIs were conducted in a research office. |
| Computer-mediated motivational type interviews (CM-MTIs) | Experimental | Behavioral: 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviewsComputer-mediated interviews were conducted using the identical 4-page script that guided the FTF MTIs. Computer-mediated MTIs were completed via computer, with the interviewer and participant located in adjacent rooms within the same research suite used for the FTF MTIs. However, the interviewer and interviewee never met in person. Upon arrival, a research assistant greeted participants, administered Time 1 assessments, and provided instructions for using the computer's instant messaging software to communicate during the motivational-type interview. LAN Instant Messenger software (version 1.2.35, Qualia Digital Solutions) was used to conduct computer-mediated interviews and computer-mediated MTIs were saved as text files. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- A brief eligibility questionnaire assessed each respondent's age, previous marijuana use, and ambivalence about their marijuana use during the year preceding the study. Sample ambivalence items included: "During the past year I've had mixed emotions about my level of marijuana use or nonuse," and "How much have you thought about changing your marijuana use or nonuse during the past year?" Responses options ranged from 0 ("not at all") to 5 ("medium amount") to 10 ("a lot"). Respondents who were 18-29 years of age and reported at least a "medium amount" of ambivalence in response to 2 or more ambivalence questions were eligible to participate in the study. Three types of adults were recruited: non-marijuana users, occasional marijuana users, and frequent marijuana users. Non-marijuana users were defined as individuals who reported no history of marijuana use in their lifetime. Occasional marijuana users were defined as individuals who used marijuana 1-5 times during the 2 months preceding the study but fewer than 24 times during the year preceding the study. Frequent marijuana users were defined as individuals who used marijuana more than 7 times during the 2 months preceding the study and more than 24 times during the year preceding the study.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- We excluded participants who did not meet the above criteria.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews | Behavioural | Computer-mediated motivational type interviews (CM-MTIs), Face-to-face motivational type (FTF MTIs) interviews |
Primary outcome
Frequency of marijuana use at two-month follow-up
Time frame: 2-month-follow-up
During the past two months, how many times (if any) have you smoked or consumed marijuana?
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Apr 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40279644Llanes KD, Amastae J, Amrhein PC, Lisha N, Arteaga K, Lopez E, Moran RA, Cohn LD. Impact of Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Motivational-Type Interviews on Participants' Language and Subsequent Cannabis Use: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Apr 25;27:e59085. doi: 10.2196/59085.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. The datasets generated or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. No individual raw data will be released that would compromise the anonymity or confidentiality of the participants.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Lawrence D. Cohn, PhD principal investigator
University of Texas, El Paso
Jon Amastae, PhD principal investigator
University of Texas, El Paso
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing 1) Face-to-face, and 2) Computer-mediated motivational type interviews in people with Marijuana Use, run by University of Texas, El Paso at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Frequency of marijuana use at two-month follow-up (time frame: 2-month-follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06945471, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Apr 2025.