Self-Perception Theory (SPT), developed by Daryl Bem, suggests that people form their beliefs, motivations, and even emotions by observing their own behaviour, especially when they are uncertain. In other words, we come to understand what we want by noticing what we say and do.
This has direct relevance to Motivational Interviewing (MI), which is based on the idea that people are more likely to commit to change when they hear themselves articulating their own reasons for it. MI is not about telling people what to do; it’s about inviting them to speak in important ways, ways that strengthen their intrinsic motivation and commitment to change.
How Self-Perception Theory Connects to MI
Evoking Desire, Reasons, Ability, Need & Commitment
In MI, we guide individuals to explore and verbalise their own desire, reasons, ability, need, and commitment for change.
This is crucial because, as per SPT, when a person hears themselves express these motivations out loud, they are more likely to believe them and integrate them into their self-concept.
The Power of Change Talk
Change talk—statements that reflect a person’s motivation for change—strengthens their belief that change is both important and possible.
For example, when someone says, “I really do want to cut down on drinking because I want to be a better parent,” they are reinforcing their identity as a committed parent who is capable of change.
Autonomy & Ownership
MI operates on the principle that people are more likely to change when they feel it is their decision, rather than something being imposed on them.
SPT aligns with this because when people freely voice their own motivations, they perceive themselves as autonomous agents of change, rather than passive recipients of advice.
Resolving Ambivalence Through Self-Reflection
Many people are stuck in ambivalence—they can see both the benefits of change and the reasons to stay the same.
MI helps them talk through this ambivalence, allowing them to hear their own motivations more clearly and move towards a decision that aligns with their values.
When someone hears themselves say, “I can see that drinking less would help my health and my relationships,” they begin to internalise this belief more strongly.
Commitment Strengthens Identity
Once a person begins to verbalise their commitment (“I am going to start by cutting down on weekdays”), they start to see themselves as someone who is actively changing.
MI practitioners use reflections and summaries to reinforce this, ensuring that the person hears and absorbs their own motivation.
Why This Matters: "We Learn Who We Are & What We Want as We Hear Ourselves Speak"
In MI, we are not just having a conversation, we are inviting people to speak in ways that shape their self-perception. By evoking and strengthening their own desire, reasons, ability, need, and commitment, we help them solidify their motivation and sense of agency. When people hear themselves expressing motivation for change, they come to believe it more deeply, making meaningful change more likely to occur.
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