Effects of Motivational Interviewing in Prison

"MI is a communication style defined as a collaborative, person-centred form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation to change. The method is based on four principles: showing empathy; developing discrepancy between the subject's current behaviour and an alternate, more desired, behaviour; reinforcing self-efficacy; and rolling with resistance to change. Client arguments for change are elicited and reinforced in an atmosphere that is empathic, collaborative and supportive of autonomy. The choice to change and the responsibility for change remain with the client."