CHC Behavior Change & Motivational Interviewing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which MI technique involves the coach intentionally emphasizing certain client statements to reinforce motivation for change?
- Reflective listening
- Strategic reflection (Correct answer)
- Selective reinforcement
- Agenda mapping
Correct answer: Strategic reflection
Strategic reflection involves the coach selectively reflecting change talk statements to amplify the client's motivation.
Question 2: A client says 'I know I should exercise, but I just can't find the time.' This statement is best classified as:
- Change talk – desire
- Sustain talk – ability (Correct answer)
- Change talk – commitment
- Sustain talk – need
Correct answer: Sustain talk – ability
The phrase 'I can't find the time' reflects a perceived inability to change, which is sustain talk in the ability category.
Question 3: In the Transtheoretical Model, a person who has maintained a new behavior for more than six months is in which stage?
- Action
- Maintenance (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Termination
Correct answer: Maintenance
The Maintenance stage is defined by sustaining a behavior change for six months or longer.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'decisional balance' in behavior change coaching?
- Weighing the pros and cons of changing versus not changing (Correct answer)
- Scheduling equal time for healthy and unhealthy behaviors
- Balancing exercise types across the week
- Distributing coaching sessions evenly
Correct answer: Weighing the pros and cons of changing versus not changing
Decisional balance helps clients explore the advantages and disadvantages of both changing and staying the same.
Question 5: A health coach uses the question 'What would need to be different for you to feel ready to make this change?' This is an example of:
- Closed questioning
- Exploring importance and confidence
- Exploring readiness to change (Correct answer)
- Agenda mapping
Correct answer: Exploring readiness to change
This open question directly explores what conditions would shift the client's readiness, a core MI strategy.
Question 6: When a client expresses ambivalence, the most MI-consistent response from a coach is to:
- Resolve the ambivalence by providing factual information
- Explore both sides without pushing toward one outcome (Correct answer)
- Reassure the client that change is easy
- Redirect the conversation to a more achievable goal
Correct answer: Explore both sides without pushing toward one outcome
MI honors ambivalence by exploring it non-judgmentally rather than arguing for one side.
Question 7: Which behavior change theory emphasizes that people learn by observing and modeling others?
- Health Belief Model
- Social Cognitive Theory (Correct answer)
- Transtheoretical Model
- Self-Determination Theory
Correct answer: Social Cognitive Theory
Social Cognitive Theory, developed by Bandura, highlights observational learning and modeling as key mechanisms of behavior change.
CHC Behavior Change & Motivational Interviewing 2
Which MI technique involves the coach intentionally emphasizing certain client statements to reinforce motivation for change?