Behavior Change & Client Communication Flashcards

A client says, "I bought running shoes and I plan to start jogging with a coworker next week." According to the Transtheoretical Model, which stage best describes this client?

Answer: Preparation

The client intends to act within the next 30 days and has taken small preparatory steps, which defines the Preparation stage.

Which response by an exercise physiologist is an example of reflective listening?

Answer: "You want to be more active, but your work schedule keeps getting in the way."

A reflective statement restates the client's own meaning without adding advice or judgment, which is the core of OARS in motivational interviewing.

Which of the following is a SMART goal for a previously sedentary client?

Answer: "I will walk briskly for 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after work for the next 8 weeks."

Only the last goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

According to Bandura's social cognitive theory, which source of self-efficacy is generally the most powerful?

Answer: Mastery experiences, or successfully performing the behavior

Mastery experiences, meaning successful personal performance of the behavior, are the strongest source of self-efficacy.

A client in the Precontemplation stage does not believe inactivity affects their health. Which process of change is most appropriate to use first?

Answer: Consciousness raising with personalized information about the consequences of inactivity

Early-stage clients benefit from cognitive processes such as consciousness raising, while behavioral processes fit later stages.

Which client statement is an example of change talk?

Answer: "I really want to be able to play with my grandkids without getting winded."

Statements of desire, ability, reasons, or need to change (DARN) are change talk; the other statements are sustain talk.

According to self-determination theory, satisfying which three basic psychological needs fosters intrinsic motivation for exercise?

Answer: Autonomy, competence, and relatedness

Self-determination theory identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the needs that support intrinsic motivation.

A client says, "I would exercise, but the gym is 30 minutes away and the membership is too expensive." Which Health Belief Model construct does this statement represent?

Answer: Perceived barriers

Travel distance and cost are obstacles to action, which the Health Belief Model calls perceived barriers.

After 3 months of regular exercise, a client misses 2 weeks because of illness and says, "I blew it, I'm back to square one." Which response best applies relapse-prevention principles?

Answer: Normalize the lapse, identify what triggered it, and agree on a plan to resume at a reduced workload

Relapse prevention treats a lapse as a temporary setback, analyzes the trigger, and plans a graded return.