During motivational interviewing, when assessing goals and values, what should be determined?

Determining whether behaviors align with personal values is a key component of motivational interviewing because it helps to uncover the intrinsic motivations that drive a client’s actions. When a person’s behavior is in conflict with their personal values, it can create feelings of discomfort, ambivalence, or resistance to change.

By assessing this alignment, a mental health correctional officer can facilitate deeper discussions about the importance of change in the context of the client’s own value system. This can empower clients, as they are more likely to commit to change that is congruent with their beliefs and ideals. Emphasizing the connection between behavior and values can also encourage self-reflection and personal insight, leading to more meaningful goals that resonate with the client’s identity.

The other options, while relevant to the overall process of motivational interviewing, do not capture the essence of understanding the client from a values standpoint. For example, determining if goals are realistic, while important for feasibility, does not directly address the foundational motivations that influence those goals. Similarly, assessing external perceptions from others or the level of motivation can be significant but do not provide the same depth of insight into the client’s personal framework that aligns with their values.