PSS PSS Motivational Interviewing and Communication Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
- Directing the person toward change using expert advice
- A collaborative, person-centered conversation that evokes motivation for change (Correct answer)
- Confronting resistance to break down denial
- Providing a structured list of reasons to change
Correct answer: A collaborative, person-centered conversation that evokes motivation for change
MI is rooted in collaboration, evoking the person's own motivation, and respecting their autonomy rather than directing or confronting.
Question 2: In Motivational Interviewing, what does the acronym OARS stand for?
- Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries (Correct answer)
- Outcomes, Ambivalence, Resistance, Support
- Observation, Accountability, Rapport, Strengths
- Openness, Advocacy, Recovery, Self-determination
Correct answer: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries
OARS represents the four core communication skills in MI: Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries.
Question 3: When a peer specialist uses a reflection in conversation, what is the primary goal?
- To repeat back the person's exact words as confirmation
- To demonstrate understanding and invite the person to continue exploring their thoughts (Correct answer)
- To challenge the accuracy of what the person said
- To provide feedback about the person's behavior
Correct answer: To demonstrate understanding and invite the person to continue exploring their thoughts
Reflections demonstrate empathy and understanding while encouraging the person to deepen their self-exploration.
Question 4: Which communication technique involves acknowledging and validating a person's strengths and efforts?
- Summarizing
- Confronting
- Affirming (Correct answer)
- Redirecting
Correct answer: Affirming
Affirming involves recognizing a person's strengths, efforts, and positive qualities to build confidence and rapport.
Question 5: A peer specialist notices a person expresses both wanting to recover and fear of losing social connections tied to substance use. This is an example of:
- Resistance
- Ambivalence (Correct answer)
- Denial
- Non-compliance
Correct answer: Ambivalence
Ambivalence is the state of holding conflicting feelings about change, which is a normal part of the change process.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of 'change talk' in an MI conversation?
- 'I don't think I have a real problem with alcohol.'
- 'My family keeps nagging me about my drinking.'
- 'I've been thinking I might feel better if I cut back.' (Correct answer)
- 'I've tried quitting before and it never works.'
Correct answer: 'I've been thinking I might feel better if I cut back.'
Change talk is any statement by the person that indicates desire, ability, reason, or need for change, and here the person expresses desire and reason.
PSS PSS Motivational Interviewing and Communication Techniques 1
Which of the following best describes the spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI)?