ACSM Behavioral Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Relapse prevention in exercise adherence refers to:
- Stopping exercise to avoid overtraining
- Anticipating and planning for lapses to prevent full program dropout (Correct answer)
- Returning to a lower fitness level after detraining
- Reducing exercise frequency to prevent burnout
Correct answer: Anticipating and planning for lapses to prevent full program dropout
Relapse prevention involves identifying high-risk situations and developing coping strategies to prevent a lapse from becoming a full relapse.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of an extrinsic motivator for exercise?
- Enjoying the feeling of movement
- Valuing improved health
- Exercising to win a fitness challenge prize (Correct answer)
- Finding satisfaction in mastering new skills
Correct answer: Exercising to win a fitness challenge prize
Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards, such as prizes, recognition, or social approval.
Question 3: The SMART goal framework requires goals to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and:
- Rigid
- Rewarding
- Time-bound (Correct answer)
- Realistic
Correct answer: Time-bound
The 'T' in SMART stands for Time-bound, meaning the goal has a defined deadline or timeframe.
Question 4: Which decisional balance concept involves weighing the pros and cons of changing a behavior?
- Self-liberation
- Consciousness raising
- Decisional balance (Correct answer)
- Counterconditioning
Correct answer: Decisional balance
Decisional balance is the process of evaluating the perceived benefits and costs of behavior change.
Question 5: A client in the Precontemplation stage is BEST described as someone who:
- Is thinking about starting exercise within the next 6 months
- Is not considering behavior change in the next 6 months (Correct answer)
- Has recently started an exercise program
- Has maintained exercise for over 6 months
Correct answer: Is not considering behavior change in the next 6 months
Precontemplators are unaware of or unconcerned about the need to change within the next 6 months.
Question 6: Which behavioral strategy involves replacing a sedentary behavior with physical activity (e.g., taking stairs instead of the elevator)?
- Social support
- Stimulus control
- Counterconditioning (Correct answer)
- Reinforcement management
Correct answer: Counterconditioning
Counterconditioning substitutes a healthier behavior for an unhealthy one in the same situation.
Question 7: Social support for exercise adherence is MOST effective when it involves:
- Only professional coaching from a certified trainer
- A combination of emotional, informational, and instrumental support (Correct answer)
- Monitoring calories through a smartphone app
- Competing against peers to rank highest on a leaderboard
Correct answer: A combination of emotional, informational, and instrumental support
Comprehensive social support includes emotional encouragement, practical help, and useful information to sustain exercise behavior.
ACSM Behavioral Strategies 3
Relapse prevention in exercise adherence refers to: