Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

What does the "OARS" acronym in Motivational Interviewing stand for?

1. Objectives, Actions, Reflection, Summarization

2. Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections/Reflective listening, Summaries

3. Opportunities, Acknowledgments, Responses, Solutions

4. Options, Advice, Reactions, Strategies

The correct answer is: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections/Reflective listening, Summaries

The "OARS" acronym in Motivational Interviewing is a foundational tool used to enhance communication and strengthen the therapeutic alliance between the peer support specialist and the person receiving services. Each component of this acronym plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive and empathetic environment. Open-ended questions encourage individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in depth, inviting them to elaborate and reflect on their experiences rather than providing simple yes or no answers. This facilitates a greater understanding of their motivations and concerns. Affirmations are positive statements that recognize and validate a person's strengths and efforts, which helps build their self-efficacy and reinforces their motivation for change. By acknowledging the individual’s experiences and achievements, the peer support specialist fosters a sense of confidence and progress. Reflections, or reflective listening, involve the peer support specialist responding to what the individual has said by mirroring their thoughts and emotions. This technique demonstrates understanding and empathy, encouraging further exploration of their feelings and thoughts, and can lead to greater self-awareness. Summaries give a succinct recap of the discussion, highlighting key points and themes that have emerged during the conversation. This technique not only validates the individual's experiences but also helps to clarify and consolidate their thoughts, leading to a stronger commitment to change and goal-setting.