"VINN" - An accredited motivational program promoting convicted women's sense of coherence and coping

Abstract

This article aims to present a motivational program addressing rehabilitative needs specific to convicted women. The article shows how Antonovsky's theory of Salutogenesis, its main concepts of Sense of Coherence and General Resistance Resources, are used as theoretical framework of this correctional program. Social cognitive theory (self-efficacy), the Transtheoretical Model of Change and the communication style of Motivational Interviewing are used as supportive methods to complement the salutogenetic approach. The "VINN program", as presented here, consists of 15 topics, four individual interviews as well as homework exercises. The goal of the program is to motivate the women to explore what challenges are worthwhile to engage in, what makes sense to them, increase their Sense of Coherence and their Quality of Life, and give confidence to desist from crime. The program is accredited by the Norwegian and Swedish correctional services. This article advocates using a salutogenetic approach as a new valuable direction in creating programs for convicted women.