Characterizing clients' verbal statements in behavioural support interventions: The case of smoking cessation.

It is possible to reliably categorize clients' verbal statements in smoking cessation consultations in terms of responses to BCTs delivered by the practitioner. When used alongside the taxonomy of practitioner-delivered BCTs, this method could provide a basis for investigating the dyadic interaction between the practitioner and client. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Taxonomies exist for characterizing practitioner-delivered behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in interventions. Client responses and contributions are an important part of the behaviour change process. Examining clients' receipt of BCTs can add explanatory value to the outcomes of interventions. Current taxonomies and methods do not characterize client responses in terms of BCTs. What does this study add? First method to characterize clients' statements corresponding to a practitioner BCT taxonomy. Provides a method for investigating the dyadic practitioner-client interaction using BCTs. A method that has potential to add explanatory value to the outcomes of interventions.