The phrase 'I notice you have little to say when I ask you questions' is an example of which interviewing technique?

• A. Reflection
• B. Elaboration
• C. Facilitation
• D. Confrontation

Answer: (D)

Confrontation in interviewing is when the clinician points out an observed discrepancy or behavior to prompt the patient to engage more fully or reveal inconsistencies. Saying “I notice you have little to say when I ask you questions” directly calls attention to the quietness and the lack of response, which nudges the patient to explain why they’re reticent or to provide more detail. This approach is useful for uncovering information that the patient might be withholding or avoiding and helps assess honesty and consistency in the narrative. It’s distinct from reflection (which mirrors the patient’s words), elaboration (which invites more detail through open-ended questions), or facilitation (which smooths the conversation with supportive prompts). While it can advance information gathering, it may strain rapport if overused, so it’s best reserved for situations where there’s a clear discrepancy or lack of information to address.