ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key principle of motivational interviewing?

1. Double-sided reflection

2. Active listening

3. Supportive confrontation

4. Behavior modification

The correct answer is: Double-sided reflection

One of the key principles of motivational interviewing is double-sided reflection. This technique involves the practitioner reflecting back to the client both sides of their ambivalence towards change. For instance, if a client expresses a desire to change but also mentions the comfort of their current habits, the practitioner captures both viewpoints in the reflection. This helps the client process their feelings, understand their motivations, and ultimately foster a deeper self-awareness of their ambivalence. By acknowledging the complexity of their thoughts, it encourages clients to articulate and explore their motivations for change. While active listening, supportive confrontation, and behavior modification are important in various counseling frameworks, they do not specifically embody the essence of motivational interviewing. Active listening enhances communication but does not incorporate the reflection of ambivalence. Supportive confrontation may help in challenging a client's beliefs, but it does not emphasize the client's autonomy in the same way. Behavior modification focuses on changing specific behaviors rather than exploring and resolving ambivalence about change. Hence, double-sided reflection distinctly captures the essence of addressing ambivalence, which is central to the motivational interviewing approach.