Rolling with resistance

Definition

Rolling with resistance is a core principle of motivational interviewing that involves acknowledging and accepting a person's hesitance or reluctance to change rather than confronting it directly. This approach helps to create an empathetic environment where individuals feel understood, allowing them to explore their motivations for change without feeling pressured or judged. Instead of pushing back against resistance, practitioners encourage open dialogue and reflection on the individual’s feelings and beliefs, promoting self-efficacy and autonomy in the change process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rolling with resistance encourages practitioners to respond to resistance in a way that validates the person's feelings, which can help reduce defensiveness.
2. This technique involves reflecting back what the person expresses, allowing them to reconsider their views and motivations for change.
3. By using rolling with resistance, practitioners can help individuals navigate through their concerns without escalating conflict or resistance.
4. This approach fosters a collaborative atmosphere where individuals feel empowered to discuss their thoughts on change openly.
5. Rolling with resistance is essential in maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive relationship between the practitioner and the individual.

Review Questions

• How does rolling with resistance contribute to building a supportive relationship during motivational interviewing?
  • Rolling with resistance helps build a supportive relationship by acknowledging the individual's feelings of reluctance without judgment. This approach fosters open communication, as individuals feel safe expressing their ambivalence about change. By validating their concerns, practitioners can strengthen rapport and encourage deeper exploration of motivations, making it more likely that the individual will consider change.
• In what ways can rolling with resistance help address ambivalence in individuals considering behavior change?
  • Rolling with resistance addresses ambivalence by creating space for individuals to voice their conflicting feelings about change. Instead of confronting these feelings head-on, practitioners guide conversations that allow individuals to reflect on their thoughts and motivations. This reflection can lead to greater clarity about their desires for change, helping them navigate through ambivalence in a constructive manner.
• Evaluate the impact of rolling with resistance on the overall effectiveness of motivational interviewing in promoting behavior change.
  • Rolling with resistance significantly enhances the effectiveness of motivational interviewing by shifting the focus from confrontation to collaboration. This technique allows practitioners to build trust and rapport with individuals, which is vital for facilitating meaningful conversations about behavior change. When individuals feel understood and respected, they are more likely to explore their motivations for change deeply, leading to greater self-efficacy and commitment to taking action.

Related terms

Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative conversation style that aims to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to change by exploring their ambivalence.

Ambivalence: The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something, often experienced by individuals when contemplating behavior change.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, crucial for building rapport and trust during motivational interviewing.