Psychology ETDs

Adam Wilson

Publication Date

8-25-2016

Abstract

The purposes of this study were fourfold. First, we tested the relationship between participant performance on a computerized behavioral economic task, the Trust Game and participant performance on a self-report measure of trait-level trust. Second, we examined whether baseline trait-level trust was associated with motivation to seek treatment. Third, we examined the utility of each trust measure as a predictor of motivation to seek treatment, treatment engagement, and treatment outcome. Finally, we tested the relationship between trust and treatment condition (brief motivational intervention or psychoeducation) as predictors of treatment seeking, treatment engagement and treatment outcome. Participants were 20 males recruited from the Albuquerque Sex Offender Treatment Program, and Journeys Counseling, both in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Participants were randomized to a one-hour brief motivational intervention condition or a one-hour psychoeducation condition. Results suggest that there was a small to moderate positive correlation between a popular self-report measure of trust and a less widely known behavioral economic measure. Results also indicate that higher-trust individuals may be most likely to report changes in motivation to seek treatment if they are given a motivational intervention.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Witkiewitz, Katie

Second Committee Member

Moyers, Theresa

Language

English

Keywords

Motivational Interviewing, Trust, Behavioral Economics

Document Type

Thesis

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