Which technique encourages more information from a peer during ambivalence?

Which technique encourages more information from a peer during ambivalence?

• A. Affirmations
• B. Summarizing
• C. Open-ended questions
• D. Direct instructions

Answer: (C)

When someone is ambivalent, the goal is to invite them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and reasons more deeply. Open-ended questions do this best because they require more than a yes-or-no answer, prompting the peer to elaborate, reflect on pros and cons, and share what matters most to them. This helps uncover motivations, barriers, and values, guiding the conversation toward genuine change talk. For example, asking what benefits they see in changing and what concerns they have about changing invites richer discussion. Affirmations are supportive but don’t necessarily elicit new information; summarizing restates what was said and confirms understanding; direct instructions push for action and can shut down the conversation. Open-ended questions keep the dialogue collaborative and focused on the peer’s own narrative and readiness.

When someone is ambivalent, the goal is to invite them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and reasons more deeply. Open-ended questions do this best because they require more than a yes-or-no answer, prompting the peer to elaborate, reflect on pros and cons, and share what matters most to them. This helps uncover motivations, barriers, and values, guiding the conversation toward genuine change talk. For example, asking what benefits they see in changing and what concerns they have about changing invites richer discussion. Affirmations are supportive but don’t necessarily elicit new information; summarizing restates what was said and confirms understanding; direct instructions push for action and can shut down the conversation. Open-ended questions keep the dialogue collaborative and focused on the peer’s own narrative and readiness.