Training program on motivational interviewing for prison professionals

Rev Esp Sanid Penit. 2025 Jul 15;27(2):69-76. doi: 10.18176/resp.00108. eCollection 2025 May-Aug.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a motivational interviewing (MI) training program for prison professionals by analysing the progression of MI-compatible competence and adherence, as well as the reduction of non-compatible practices.

Material and method: A longitudinal quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was conducted over four months at three time points. A total of 25 correctional professionals participated in a three-phase training program. A Spanish-translated version of the Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency (MIA:STEP) questionnaire from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was used for self-assessment. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's test, effect size (h2), and observed power.

Results: Non-compatible adherence to MI significantly decreased (p <0.001, h2 = 0.360; c2 = 20.796, p <0.001), representing the most notable finding. Compatible competence in MI showed a non-significant increase in ANOVA (p = 0.138), but a significant improvement in Friedman's test (c2 = 9.621, p = 0.008). Compatible adherence initially increased (p <0.001, h2 = 0.267) but subsequently declined (c2 = 9.939, p = 0.007). Non-compatible competence significantly increased between the initial and final assessments (p = 0.012, h2 = 0.169; c2 = 9.711, p = 0.008).

Discussion: The program was effective in significantly reducing non-compatible adherence to MI, which emerged as the most substantial outcome. While compatible adherence fluctuated and compatible competence exhibited a differentiated progression depending on the statistical test used, the findings indicate progressive learning and areas requiring further reinforcement. The ecological validity of the study design strengthens the applicability of the results, providing evidence of the impact of MI training in correctional settings.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Salamanca (CEISH).

Objetivos: Evaluar el impacto de un programa de formación en entrevista motivacional (EM) dirigido a profesionales penitenciarios, analizando la progresión de la competencia y la adherencia compatibles con los principios de la EM, así como la reducción de prácticas no compatibles.

Material y método: Estudio cuasiexperimental longitudinal con medidas repetidas en tres momentos a lo largo de cuatro meses. Participaron 25 profesionales penitenciarios en un programa formativo de tres fases. Se utilizó una versión traducida al español del cuestionario Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency (MIA:STEP), desarrollado por la Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mediante autoevaluación. Los análisis incluyeron: el análisis de varianza (ANOVA, analysis of variance) de medidas repetidas, el test de Friedman, el tamaño del efecto (η2) y la potencia observada.

Resultados: La adherencia no compatible con EM disminuyó significativamente (p <0,001, η2 = 0,360; chi cuadrado [χ2] = 20,796, p <0,001), siendo el hallazgo más relevante. La competencia compatible con EM mostró un aumento no significativo en ANOVA (p = 0,138), pero sí significativo en el test de Friedman (χ2 = 9,621, p = 0,008). La adherencia compatible con EM tuvo un aumento inicial (p <0,001, η2 = 0,267), seguido de una disminución (χ2 = 9,939, p = 0,007). La competencia no compatible con la EM incrementó significativamente entre los momentos inicial y final (p = 0,012, η2 = 0,169; χ2 = 9,711, p = 0,008).

Discusión: El programa demostró ser eficaz en reducir significativamente la adherencia no compatible con EM, consolidándose como el principal logro. Aunque la adherencia compatible con EM presentó fluctuaciones y la competencia compatible con EM mostró una progresión diferenciada según la prueba estadística utilizada, los resultados reflejan un aprendizaje progresivo y áreas de ajuste. La validez ecológica del diseño refuerza la aplicabilidad de los hallazgos, proporcionando evidencia sobre el impacto de la formación en EM en contextos penitenciarios.El estudio fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la Universidad de Salamanca (CEISH).

Keywords: correctional facilities personnel; diagnosis; dual (psychiatry); motivational interviewing; professional training; therapeutic adherence.

MeSH terms

  • Correctional Facilities Personnel* / education
  • Correctional Facilities Personnel* / psychology
  • Correctional Facilities Personnel* / statistics & numerical data
  • Educational Measurement / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Motivational Interviewing* / methods
  • Motivational Interviewing* / statistics & numerical data
  • Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Prisons*
  • Professional Competence* / statistics & numerical data
  • Self-Assessment
  • Spain
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / statistics & numerical data