Tips for the essay: First read widely about the topic so that you can get a good feel for the area. Think about an appropriate structure for this essay and introduce this structure at the beginning. Think about where you want to end up – which is evidence to support your final conclusion. A key feature of these questions is to draw on the evidence base. After you have introduced the nature of the problem for which treatment is needed, review the evidence for or against them. Consider areas in which research appears to be lacking or groups for which the treatment has been shown to be helpful – and those for whom it has not been examined or not found helpful. Make sure your conclusion can be backed by the research Marking criteria 1. Clear introduction stating the background to the problem, the question, and how it will be addressed in the essay. 10% 2. Use of wide range of relevant research and reviews of research, and integration and synthesis of research findings (rather than describing each study in detail unless that approach is specifically warranted) 25% 3. Critical evaluation (strengths and weaknesses) of the available research relevant to the essay 30% 4. Conclusion that is justifiable on the basis of research findings 10% 5. Strong and coherent structure for the essay 10% 6. English expression and grammar, presentation, proof-reading and use of APA style 15% Topic-Dr. Carina Chan – Motivational Interviewing Motivational interviewing has been used as a strategy to modify behaviours in the health domain. Chronic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes require considerable monitoring and changing of lifestyle behaviours in order to achieve weight control and delay the onset of complications. Drawing on empirical evidence in the literature, describe how motivational interviewing has been used to improve weight management and discuss the effectiveness of interventions using MI in modifying lifestyle behaviours. Consider the populations being studied, the settings/contexts in which the studies were undertaken and the generalisability of the findings in your critique. Starting Readings: • Martins, R. K., & McNeil, D. W. (2009). Review of motivational interviewing in promoting health behaviours. Clinical Psychology Review, 29, 283-293. • Barrett, S., Begg, S., O’Halloran, P. & Kingsley, M. (2018). Integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy for lifestyle mediators of overweight and obesity in community-dwelling adults: A systematic review and meta-analyses. BMC Public Health, 18:1160. 

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