Metamotivation Therapy: Is it time to Focus on Metamotivation in Severe Mental Illness?

Metamotivation Therapy targets motivational deficits in severe mental illness (SMI) by using the novel approach of enhancing meta-motivation and executive functioning skills. The current naturalistic, uncontrolled cohort study provides the rational for the Metamotivation Therapy approach and program evaluation data on pilot feasibility and efficacy. Pilot feasibility was assessed through utilization data and Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS-8). Pilot effectiveness was assessed using the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning for Adults and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. On average, participants completed 15/20 sessions; nine participants (9.4%) dropped out before four sessions. 90.5% of the 28 people providing satisfaction ratings expressed some level of satisfaction. Metamotivation Therapy participants who completed both baseline and follow up measures (n = 38) showed an improvement from baseline to follow-up on overall executive functioning, self-motivation, and quality of life. Given the results, a randomized controlled trial is warranted to optimize dosage and assess efficacy.