Which is NOT a component of motivational interviewing's OARS framework?

• A. Open-Ended Questions
• B. Affirmations
• C. Reflections
• D. Group discussions

Answer: (D)

Motivational interviewing relies on a simple set of communication skills called OARS: Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries. Open-ended questions invite the client to share thoughts in detail, helping to surface ambivalence and change talk. Affirmations acknowledge strengths and efforts, which supports motivation. Reflections demonstrate listening and help the client hear their own motivations more clearly, guiding toward deeper exploration. Summaries pull together what’s been said, reinforce progress, and set the stage for planning.

Group discussions aren’t part of this framework. MI is typically a one-on-one, client-centered dialogue, and OARS are the specific skills used within that conversation. So the element that doesn’t fit is group discussions.