ACSM-EP Behavior Change & Client Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client says, 'I know I should exercise, but I just can't seem to make it happen.' Which motivational interviewing technique is MOST appropriate to use next?
- Provide detailed exercise instructions immediately
- Explore the discrepancy between the client's values and current behavior (Correct answer)
- Tell the client that their health will worsen without exercise
- Schedule the next appointment and move on
Correct answer: Explore the discrepancy between the client's values and current behavior
Exploring discrepancy between stated values and current behavior is a core motivational interviewing strategy that helps clients identify their own reasons to change.
Question 2: Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model describes a person who is thinking about becoming physically active within the next six months?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Action
Correct answer: Contemplation
Contemplation is defined as intending to change within the next six months while being aware of the pros and cons of changing.
Question 3: A client consistently cancels sessions due to work stress. According to the Social Cognitive Theory, which strategy would BEST address this barrier?
- Reduce session frequency without discussing the issue
- Enhance self-efficacy by identifying past successes under stress (Correct answer)
- Recommend the client start exercising alone at home
- Focus solely on increasing exercise intensity during attended sessions
Correct answer: Enhance self-efficacy by identifying past successes under stress
Enhancing self-efficacy by recalling past successes helps clients believe they can manage barriers like work stress.
Question 4: An exercise physiologist uses reflective listening during a session. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this technique?
- To correct the client's misconceptions about exercise
- To demonstrate understanding and encourage deeper client self-exploration (Correct answer)
- To fill silence when the client stops talking
- To redirect the conversation toward exercise goals
Correct answer: To demonstrate understanding and encourage deeper client self-exploration
Reflective listening communicates empathy and helps clients feel heard, which encourages them to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply.
Question 5: Which type of goal is MOST consistent with SMART goal-setting principles for a sedentary client beginning an exercise program?
- 'I want to get fit and feel better.'
- 'I will walk for 20 minutes, three days per week, for the next four weeks.' (Correct answer)
- 'I will exercise as much as possible every day.'
- 'I will lose 20 pounds by exercising more.'
Correct answer: 'I will walk for 20 minutes, three days per week, for the next four weeks.'
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, as illustrated by a defined duration, frequency, and timeframe.
Question 6: A client in the Action stage of the TTM has been exercising regularly for two months. What is the GREATEST behavioral risk at this stage?
- Lack of awareness about the benefits of exercise
- Relapse due to insufficient coping strategies for barriers (Correct answer)
- Overconfidence leading to excessive exercise
- Inability to set realistic goals
Correct answer: Relapse due to insufficient coping strategies for barriers
Clients in the Action stage are at high risk for relapse because they have not yet developed sustained habits and coping mechanisms for obstacles.
Question 7: When applying the Health Belief Model to exercise counseling, 'perceived severity' refers to a client's belief about:
- How difficult exercise will be to perform
- How serious the consequences of remaining sedentary will be (Correct answer)
- How confident they are in their ability to exercise
- How much social support they have for exercising
Correct answer: How serious the consequences of remaining sedentary will be
Perceived severity in the Health Belief Model is the individual's assessment of the seriousness of the health condition or its consequences.
ACSM-EP Behavior Change & Client Communication 2
A client says, 'I know I should exercise, but I just can't seem to make it happen.' Which motivational interviewing technique is MOST appropriate to use next?