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Behavioral Coaching Flashcards

7 cards from real ACSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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

    Answer: Process-oriented feedback emphasizing effort and skill

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

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

    Answer: Intrinsic motivation

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

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

    Answer: Introjected regulation

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

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

    Answer: Focus on importance exploration first, then confidence building

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

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

    Answer: Self-monitoring combined with self-reinforcement

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

  6. Which term describes the process of systematically replacing negative automatic thoughts about exercise with more balanced ones?

    Answer: Cognitive restructuring

    Cognitive restructuring challenges and reframes distorted cognitions, replacing thoughts like 'I'm too old to exercise' with evidence-based alternatives.

  7. Social support from family and friends primarily enhances exercise adherence through which mechanism?

    Answer: Providing external accountability and emotional encouragement

    Social support enhances adherence by meeting needs for accountability, emotional reinforcement, and a sense of belonging during behavior change.