What does the acronym O.A.R.S. stand for in Motivational Interviewing?

• A. Open-ended questions; Affirmation; Reflective Listening; Summary
• B. Open-ended questions; Analysis; Reflective Listening; Summary
• C. Observation; Affirmation; Reflective Listening; Summary
• D. Open-ended questions; Affection; Repetition; Summary

Answer: (A)

In Motivational Interviewing, OARS are the four core micro-skills used to engage with clients in a collaborative, empathetic way. Open-ended questions invite clients to explore their feelings, values, and ambivalence in their own words, which helps surface motivation for change. Affirmations recognize the client’s strengths and efforts, supporting self-efficacy and continued engagement. Reflective listening shows you’re listening deeply and helps clients articulate their thoughts more clearly, often revealing ambivalence and motivation you can address. Summaries bring together what the client has said, reinforce motivation, and bridge to next steps or goals.

The correct combination matches these four essential elements. Other options replace one or more components with terms not used in this framework (for example, a term like Analysis or Observation or Affection or Repetition), which aren’t part of the OARS set and don’t align with the MI approach.