Paris Hilton believes her jail sentence was a message from God to change her party-loving lifestyle and become a positive role model for women who look up to her.

In her first interview since she was dramatically sent back to prison last Friday for probation violations in a drink-driving case, Hilton said her imprisonment has served as a life-changing wake-up call.

Her comments were made to veteran television journalist Barbara Walters in a phone-call from the Los Angeles jail where the heiress to the Hilton hotel empire is being held.

"I'm not the same person I was," Walters quoted Hilton as saying on her ABC television program 'The View' on Monday.

"I used to act dumb. It was an act. I am 26 years old, and that act is no longer cute. It is not who I am, nor do I want to be that person for the young girls who looked up to me."

Walters said Hilton sounded "tired but totally aware of what she was saying."

Hilton has said she will not appeal the decision to send her back to prison to serve her 45-day term.

She was released after spending only three days behind bars last week, sparking a public outcry and prompting Los Angeles judge Michael Sauer to order her back to jail.

Hilton, who was dragged sobbing and wailing from court on Friday, suggested she intends to give up her lifestyle of endless VIP parties and red carpets.

"I know now that I can make a difference, that I have the power to do that. I have been thinking that I want to do different things when I am out of here," she said. "I have become much more spiritual. God has given me this new chance."

Hilton said she was considering pursuing work to raise awareness about breast cancer.