Dietetic Technician Practice Test

The motivational interviewing style used during nutrition counseling includes all the following characteristics except:

1. Empathy

2. Encouragement

3. Reflective listening

4. Rewards and reinforcement

The correct answer is: Rewards and reinforcement

In motivational interviewing, the approach primarily focuses on fostering an empathetic and supportive environment that encourages open dialogue about behavior and change. Core characteristics of this style include empathy, which helps build rapport and trust, and reflective listening, which involves restating and clarifying what the client has said to demonstrate understanding and validate their feelings. Encouragement is also a crucial aspect, as it empowers clients to explore their intrinsic motivations for change and reinforces their efforts. Both reflective listening and empathy contribute significantly to creating a non-judgmental and collaborative atmosphere where clients feel safe to discuss their challenges. In contrast, the concept of rewards and reinforcement is not a fundamental characteristic of motivational interviewing. This method does not advocate for external rewards or punishments, as it focuses more on internal motivation and helping clients find their reasons for making changes. Thus, the emphasis is placed on facilitating self-discovery rather than offering incentives, which distinguishes motivational interviewing from other approaches that may incorporate reinforcement strategies.