Motivation or Confrontation

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Abstract
Applying Prochaska and DiClimente's stages of change model to understanding the sequence of events necessary for an individual to alter patterns of behavior, this article examines the relative merits and problems of two intervention approaches—confrontational techniques and motivational interventions—to working with child sex offenders. It is proposed that confrontational techniques may be antitherapeutic and push offenders further from contemplating and taking responsibility for potential changes in their own behavior. It is suggested further that motivational interventions produce dissonance and then direct the change process in a more productive direction, with a greater probability of offenders taking responsibility for, and engaging in, active treatment.

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