Influence of client self-determination on counseling outcome

Autonomous motivation based on self-determination theory has been posited as an important common factor. This study tested whether its influence on outcome extended to mildly distressed clients treated by counselor trainees at a university counseling training center. The study was naturalistic and examined 138 clients, who were mildly distressed according to the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45). Clients completed the OQ-45 every session and their motivation after the third session. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that after controlling for autonomous and controlled types of motivation, intrinsic motivation had the strongest impact on reducing client symptoms over time. Findings suggested that the positive influence of autonomous motivation extends to moderately distressed clients treated by novice counselors. However, the positive impact of autonomous motivation may depend on client severity. Implications for future research and counseling practice were discussed.