Let’s look at some example questions to check for your understanding of the content.
Question 1: Colin caught up with Garrett after class to chat about weekend plans. Garrett suggested they meet to pregame a party, he’d bring the beer if Colin brought his prescription.
Colin says, “Sounds good, but I already have plans with someone else.”
Colin refused to give away any of his medication. What type of refusal strategy was this?
Answer: Colin gave an excuse to Garrett, getting out of the conversation without addressing the request.
Question 2: Your close friend has A.DH.D. and her own prescription, though she told you that she ran out of her meds. She asks you for your medication so she can complete a paper she hasn’t started. You don’t want to give away any of your prescription. Which response is most likely to be an effective refusal, without hurting your friend’s feelings?
Answer: “No, I can’t because I don’t want to run out.” An explanation is an effective method to refuse a friend. You could also try a direct refusal with a supportive statement or offering an alternative.
Question 3: Xavier and Hunter have been dating for a few months now. Hunter says he’s worried he’s going to get a ‘D’ on his upcoming chemistry midterm. Xavier has refused to share his meds in the past, but Hunter says, “Don’t you want me to do well so I can get a good job and we can have a nice life together?”
Xavier says, “Well, I’d like you to do well on your test, but I can’t give you any of my medication because I need it to concentrate, and it won’t help you do better on the test.”
Xavier refused to give away any of his medication. What strategy did he use?
Answer: Explanation. Xavier told Hunter why he wasn’t going to give any of his medications (based on internal factors), offering an internal explanation.
Question 4: Ashton and Jemaine are quizzing each other to prep for tomorrow’s chemistry midterm. It’s getting late but Ashton doesn’t feel confident he’s ready for the exam. He asks Jemaine if he can get a pill to stay up late tonight and finish cramming before the test.
Jemaine says, “I know, it’s like there’s never enough time in the day to get it all done. You might actually be better off getting some sleep now and waking a little early to finish studying.”
Jemaine refused to give away any of his medication. What type of refusal strategy was this?
Answer: Alternative. Jemaine offered an alternative to Ashton, suggesting that getting some sleep would be more helpful than taking a pill to stay up.
Question 5: Allie’s mom just lost her job and has been having a hard time. Allie has been trying to help out by giving her some of the money she makes at her part time job. Allie’s friend Blake knows she’s going through a tough time and offers to buy some of her pills from her, to help her out.
Allie could use the help, but said “I can’t, I might lose my scholarship if anyone finds out.”
Allie refused to sell her medication. What strategy did she use?
Answer: Explanation. Allie told Blake why she wasn’t going to sell him any of her medication (based on external factors), offering an external explanation.