V. Principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Support Self-Efficacy

Someone 's knowing that he can accomplish a feat because he has done so in the past is called self-efficacy. Another expression with the same meaning is "situational-based self confidence." Success rates for offenders will improve if self-efficacy is developed and reinforced.

In some instances, staff need to assist offenders in developing this efficacy through the use of techniques such as affirmations. Starting small can assist in the development, for example, if an offender has stayed off drugs only for a matter of hours. This can be used as the first step. If an offender says that staying away from crack cocaine will be "no problem" because she has been able to stay clean for long periods in the past, that offender has just exhibited self-efficacy. Staff should attempt to give them an extra boost of confidence by affirming past successes.

One tenet of supporting self-efficacy is figuring out what offenders have done in the past. Discovering past successes, such as any past periods of abstinence from drug use will only increase self-efficacy. Finding out what triggered relapses can be enormously beneficial as well, since it can help offenders avoid situations where triggers maybe present.

While offenders bear the ultimate responsibility for changing their behavior, staff can help them get ready for change and secure their commitment to moving toward a pro-social lifestyle. Supporting self-efficacy within offenders -- helping them see they can make it -- is a powerful tool for staff.