Addressing Suicide Risk: A Systematic Review of Motivational Interviewing Infused Interventions

Purpose: Brief interventions have been applied to the problem of suicide. This systematic review quantitatively and qualitatively examined the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI)-infused interventions. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout. Results: 147 studies were initially identified, with nine meeting the final inclusion criteria. All studies blended MI with other interventions and were primarily located in triage settings. MI-infused interventions were not significantly stronger in lowering suicidal ideation or behavior. However, such interventions were significantly more likely to result in follow-up care post intervention. Discussion: MI-infused interventions are not linked to statistically significantly lowered risk for suicide ideation or behavior despite increased mental health-seeking behavior post intervention. However, MI-infused interventions may be valuable for suicidal behavior in hospital settings because they increase a key intervention target: following up with mental health care. The literature on MI-infused interventions for suicide is in an early stage with many unanswered questions.