What best describes the role of motivational interviewing in parole interviews?

• A. It relies on directive persuasion with closed questions.
• B. It begins with open-ended questions and reflective listening to elicit change talk.
• C. It discourages any discussion of change.
• D. It uses only rapid-fire questions.

Answer: (B)

Motivational interviewing in parole interviews aims to engage the parolee in a collaborative, nonjudgmental conversation that draws out their own motivations for change. The best description is that it begins with open-ended questions and reflective listening to elicit change talk. Open-ended questions invite the parolee to describe goals, concerns, and ambivalence in detail, rather than giving yes-or-no answers. Reflective listening mirrors back what they’ve said, clarifies meaning, and builds empathy, helping the person hear and articulate their own reasons for change. This fosters greater readiness to comply with supervision and pursue positive behaviors, while reducing resistance. By contrast, approaches that rely on directive persuasion with closed questions, rapid-fire questioning, or discouraging discussion of change tend to shut down dialogue and undermine engagement.