CHC Behavior Change & Motivational Interviewing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In MI, 'DARN-CAT' is an acronym used to identify types of change talk. What does the 'A' stand for?
- Awareness
- Ability (Correct answer)
- Ambivalence
- Action
Correct answer: Ability
In DARN-CAT, 'A' stands for Ability, reflecting the client's belief that they can make the change.
Question 2: A coach responds to a client's concern by saying, 'It sounds like you're worried that changing your diet might isolate you from your family.' This is an example of:
- Affirmation
- Complex reflection (Correct answer)
- Simple reflection
- Summarizing
Correct answer: Complex reflection
A complex reflection adds meaning or feeling beyond what the client directly stated, deepening the conversation.
Question 3: Which of the following is a core component of Self-Determination Theory relevant to health coaching?
- External regulation is the most durable form of motivation
- Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are basic psychological needs (Correct answer)
- Reward systems are the primary driver of behavior change
- Goals must be set by the coach to be effective
Correct answer: Autonomy, competence, and relatedness are basic psychological needs
Self-Determination Theory proposes that autonomy, competence, and relatedness are essential for intrinsic motivation and lasting behavior change.
Question 4: A client in the Contemplation stage of the Transtheoretical Model is best described as:
- Unaware that a problem exists
- Actively practicing a new behavior
- Aware of a problem but ambivalent about changing (Correct answer)
- Committed to changing within the next 30 days
Correct answer: Aware of a problem but ambivalent about changing
Contemplators recognize a problem and are weighing the pros and cons of change but have not committed to action.
Question 5: Which MI spirit component refers to a coach drawing out the client's own wisdom rather than imposing information?
- Collaboration
- Evocation (Correct answer)
- Acceptance
- Compassion
Correct answer: Evocation
Evocation means drawing out the client's own motivation and resources rather than providing information or advice.
Question 6: A health coach helps a client identify barriers to exercise using a problem-solving framework. This approach aligns most closely with which behavior change concept?
- Stimulus control
- Cognitive restructuring
- Action planning (Correct answer)
- Shaping
Correct answer: Action planning
Action planning involves identifying potential obstacles and strategies to overcome them to support goal achievement.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of an 'agenda map' in motivational interviewing?
- To schedule coaching sessions in advance
- To let the client choose which topic to explore (Correct answer)
- To outline the coach's treatment plan
- To document client progress over time
Correct answer: To let the client choose which topic to explore
An agenda map presents a menu of topics visually or verbally so the client can select their focus, preserving client autonomy.
CHC Behavior Change & Motivational Interviewing 3
In MI, 'DARN-CAT' is an acronym used to identify types of change talk.
What does the 'A' stand for?