How is motivational interviewing defined?

How is motivational interviewing defined?

• A. A collaborative, person-centered form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation for change
• B. A directive advice-giving technique
• C. A pharmacologic treatment approach
• D. A cognitive-behavioral strategy focusing on exposure

Answer: (A)

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered guiding approach designed to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. It uses empathy, open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summaries to explore ambivalence and support the person’s own reasons for change, helping to evoke change talk and build self-efficacy while respecting autonomy. This is not about giving direct advice, prescribing treatment, or using exposure-based cognitive-behavioral techniques.

Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, person-centered guiding approach designed to elicit and strengthen motivation for change. It uses empathy, open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summaries to explore ambivalence and support the person’s own reasons for change, helping to evoke change talk and build self-efficacy while respecting autonomy. This is not about giving direct advice, prescribing treatment, or using exposure-based cognitive-behavioral techniques.