Behavioral Modification Strategies Flashcards

In the Transtheoretical Model, a patient who plans to start a food diary within the next month but has not begun is in which stage of change?

Answer: Preparation

Preparation is characterized by intending to take action soon, typically within the next month.

Which counselor response best reflects motivational interviewing when a patient expresses ambivalence about exercise?

Answer: 'What would be different in your life if you became more active?'

Open-ended questions that evoke the patient's own change talk are central to motivational interviewing.

A patient sets a goal to 'eat better.' Applying SMART goal criteria, which revision is most appropriate?

Answer: 'Eat one cup of vegetables at dinner five nights this week'

The revised goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Behavioral chaining analysis with a patient who binge eats at night would primarily focus on:

Answer: Identifying the sequence of events and triggers leading up to the binge

Chain analysis maps the linked antecedents, thoughts, and behaviors that culminate in the binge episode.

A patient who regained 10 pounds says, 'I'm a total failure.' The counselor's best cognitive restructuring response is to:

Answer: Help the patient examine evidence for and against that belief

Cognitive restructuring guides patients to test distorted beliefs against objective evidence.

Which strategy best applies the behavioral principle of shaping to physical activity?

Answer: Starting with 5-minute walks and gradually increasing duration weekly

Shaping reinforces successive approximations toward the target behavior through gradual progression.

A patient reports skipping planned meals, then overeating late at night. The first behavioral recommendation should be:

Answer: Establishing a structured, regular eating schedule

Regular structured meals prevent excessive hunger that drives compensatory nighttime overeating.