Early Adulthood Practice Exam

Focusing on how motivation can be built from within, motivational interviewing uses two key techniques. First, asking open-ended questions to elicit change talk invites the young adult to articulate personal reasons for changing and their desire, ability, and commitment to change. This helps them hear their own arguments for change, which is a powerful driver for taking steps toward reducing risky behaviors. Second, using reflective listening, especially reflecting feelings, shows genuine understanding and helps the person explore emotions and ambivalence. By echoing their feelings and concerns, you validate their experience and often encourage them to express more about why change matters to them, moving them toward greater readiness to change. Together, these techniques aim to increase motivation to change by connecting change to the individual’s own values and goals, rather than imposing external pressure. The alternative approaches—asking closed questions, giving orders, or trying to persuade—tend to shut down exploration, foster resistance, and are less effective for promoting lasting behavior change in young adults.