In OARS, what does the A stand for and what does it do?

• A. Advice; provides direct instructions.
• B. Observations; notes external cues.
• C. Acknowledgments; praises youth.
• D. Affirmations; acknowledges the difficulties youth have experienced.

Answer: (D)

Affirmations in OARS are statements that recognize a youth’s strengths, efforts, and past successes, while also acknowledging the challenges they’ve faced. The aim is to boost belief in their own abilities and encouragement to keep moving forward, rather than simply giving instructions or pointing out external cues. Effective affirmations are sincere and specific—like noting the effort someone showed in sticking with a difficult task or highlighting a skill they’ve already demonstrated—and they validate both the person’s resilience and their capacity to change. This supportive, evidence-based encouragement helps build self-efficacy, making the youth more open to continuing with change efforts.