Motivational Interviewing as a Tool to Address Farm Stress and Transitions
Extension Education
Katie Wantoch
Farm Management Professor of Practice
UW-Madison Division of Extension
Menomonie
Abstract
Educators at the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension developed a professional development program for colleagues from diverse disciplinary perspectives in the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI). The training program was a novel approach to emerging and ongoing challenges with a proven technique to engage clientele on particularly time-sensitive topics. Due to ongoing conditions in agriculture, many farms are facing financial and mental challenges, impacting the farmer and their family. Extension educators are working with farmers, farm families, and rural clientele who have experienced this chronic stress. MI is one communication tool of many techniques that can be applied to educator’s effort in supporting farmers and farm families to address emerging and time-sensitive efforts in dealing with farm stress. MI is helpful with increasing the likelihood that educators can assist them in ensuring positive behavior changes that may be impacting stress levels. Titled ‘Motivational Mondays,’ four-part Zoom workshop series consisted of theoretical introductions of MI, techniques with experiential exercise of different MI skills, group discussion, and case examples. Initial results suggested that participants gained a considerable amount of knowledge regarding MI concepts, with an average increase of 1.05 (based on a 4-point Likert-type scale, 4 being very knowledgeable). After completing the training program, participants reported that they feel more comfortable using the MI skills in their work, with an average increase of 0.86 (based on a 4-point Likert-type scale, 4 being very comfortable). Eight months after the program, a majority of educators reported the knowledge gained had influenced or changed the approach to their work. All respondents reported they incorporated at least one MI skill when working with farmers and farm families. Overall, participants found the training program to be valuable, an average of 4.08 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being very valuable. The program increased the professional capacity of UW Extension educators by improving their communication and facilitation skills. As a result of this project, educators gained confidence in their ability to engage and respond to sensitive conversations and reported being in a better position to develop strong relationships and presence in communities they serve.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Katie Wantoch, Jerome Clark, Joy Kirkpatrick, Stephanie Plaster
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Wantoch, K. Associate Professor, Agriculture Agent, UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Wisconsin, 54751
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Clark, J. Associate Professor, Agriculture Agent, UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Wisconsin, 54729
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Kirkpatrick, J. Farm Succession Specialist, UW-Madison, Division of Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability, Wisconsin, 53706
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Plaster, S. Regional Farm Management Educator, UW-Madison, Division of Extension, Wisconsin, 53074