What are the core dimensions of motivational interviewing (OARS)?

What are the core dimensions of motivational interviewing (OARS)?

• A. Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, Summaries.
• B. Opinion sharing, Authority, Rigid questioning, Scolding.
• C. Directive advice, Confrontation, Yes/No questions, Lecturing.
• D. Silence, Disengagement, Neutral responses, Monologue.

Answer: (B)

Motivational interviewing relies on a collaborative, person-centered stance that uses four guiding skills: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summaries. Open-ended questions invite the client to share their experiences, values, and ambivalence in their own words, rather than being answered with a simple yes or no. Affirmations are genuine statements that recognize the client’s strengths, efforts, and past successes, which helps build confidence and motivation. Reflective listening means thoughtfully paraphrasing or reflecting back what the client has said to show understanding and to encourage deeper exploration, reducing resistance. Summaries pull together what the client has shared, validate their thoughts, and can smoothly shift the conversation toward change talk and planning. The other options describe interaction styles that don’t align with motivational interviewing. They emphasize telling or judging the client, which can create resistance and undermine collaboration. In contrast, OARS supports a nonjudgmental, guiding approach that helps clients articulate their own reasons for change and move toward meaningful action.

Motivational interviewing relies on a collaborative, person-centered stance that uses four guiding skills: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summaries. Open-ended questions invite the client to share their experiences, values, and ambivalence in their own words, rather than being answered with a simple yes or no. Affirmations are genuine statements that recognize the client’s strengths, efforts, and past successes, which helps build confidence and motivation. Reflective listening means thoughtfully paraphrasing or reflecting back what the client has said to show understanding and to encourage deeper exploration, reducing resistance. Summaries pull together what the client has shared, validate their thoughts, and can smoothly shift the conversation toward change talk and planning.

The other options describe interaction styles that don’t align with motivational interviewing. They emphasize telling or judging the client, which can create resistance and undermine collaboration. In contrast, OARS supports a nonjudgmental, guiding approach that helps clients articulate their own reasons for change and move toward meaningful action.