ACSM-EP Behavioral Coaching 4

Question 1

Which type of feedback has been shown to be most effective for sustaining long-term exercise motivation?

Accepted Answer

Process-oriented feedback emphasizing effort and skill

Answer

Process-oriented feedback supports autonomy and competence, which are foundational to intrinsic motivation per Self-Determination Theory.

Question 2

According to Self-Determination Theory, which type of motivation is associated with the greatest long-term exercise adherence?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation

Answer

Intrinsic motivation—exercising for inherent satisfaction and enjoyment—predicts the most autonomous, durable engagement with physical activity.

Question 3

A client reports feeling guilty when they miss a workout. This indicates which type of motivational regulation?

Accepted Answer

Introjected regulation

Answer

Introjected regulation involves internally pressuring oneself through guilt or shame, which is still a controlled rather than autonomous form of motivation.

Question 4

Which coaching approach is recommended when a client demonstrates high ambivalence but low confidence to change?

Accepted Answer

Focus on importance exploration first, then confidence building

Answer

When both importance and confidence are low or mixed, it is best to first clarify why change matters before addressing how to build confidence.

Question 5

A client tracks daily steps using a wearable device and celebrates reaching 10,000 steps. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Self-monitoring combined with self-reinforcement

Answer

Self-monitoring (tracking behavior) paired with self-reinforcement (celebrating success) is a powerful behavior change combination that builds autonomous habit.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM-EP Behavioral Coaching 4