Ethics & Law · single question

Which of the following is NOT a core component of motivational interviewing?

  1. Decreasing the patient's self-efficacy to create urgency for behavior change
  2. Expressing empathy
  3. Developing discrepancy between current behavior and the patient's own values/goals
  4. Supporting the patient's self-efficacy
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Decreasing the patient's self-efficacy to create urgency for behavior change

Motivational interviewing's core principles are: express empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance (avoid direct confrontation), and support (never undermine) the patient's self-efficacy — their belief in their own ability to change. Deliberately decreasing self-efficacy directly contradicts this collaborative, patient-centered approach.

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