Which term describes the act of pointing out a discrepancy between a patient’s behavior and their statements?

Which term describes the act of pointing out a discrepancy between a patient’s behavior and their statements?

• A. Confrontation
• B. Clarification
• C. Reflection
• D. Reassurance

Answer: (C)

Confrontation is the act of pointing out a mismatch between what a patient says and how they behave. This helps surface ambivalence and motivates the patient to address the gap between beliefs and actions. Reflection, by contrast, is simply restating what the patient said to show understanding, not challenging the inconsistency. Clarification seeks to make statements clearer, and reassurance aims to calm concerns rather than highlight behavior versus words. For example, if a patient says they only drink occasionally but describes a pattern of regular heavy drinking, addressing that discrepancy in a respectful, nonjudgmental way can open discussion about barriers and goals.

Confrontation is the act of pointing out a mismatch between what a patient says and how they behave. This helps surface ambivalence and motivates the patient to address the gap between beliefs and actions. Reflection, by contrast, is simply restating what the patient said to show understanding, not challenging the inconsistency. Clarification seeks to make statements clearer, and reassurance aims to calm concerns rather than highlight behavior versus words. For example, if a patient says they only drink occasionally but describes a pattern of regular heavy drinking, addressing that discrepancy in a respectful, nonjudgmental way can open discussion about barriers and goals.