CN Health & Wellness Coaching 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client scores their confidence to reduce soda intake at 4 out of 10. Which follow-up best uses the scaling ruler technique?
- 'Why a 4 and not a 2?' (Correct answer)
- 'Why so low? You should be at least a 7.'
- 'Let's move on since confidence is low.'
- 'Why a 4 and not a 10?'
Correct answer: 'Why a 4 and not a 2?'
Asking why the number isn't lower elicits change talk by having the client voice their existing strengths and reasons.
Question 2: Which goal best meets all SMART criteria for a wellness coaching client?
- 'I will walk 20 minutes after lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next four weeks.' (Correct answer)
- 'I will get healthier this year.'
- 'I will exercise more often starting soon.'
- 'I will run a marathon next month despite never running before.'
Correct answer: 'I will walk 20 minutes after lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next four weeks.'
The goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, unlike the vague or unrealistic alternatives.
Question 3: According to self-determination theory, which coaching approach best supports a client's intrinsic motivation?
- Supporting autonomy by letting the client choose which habit to change first (Correct answer)
- Offering a gift card for every pound lost
- Warning the client about disease risks at every session
- Setting all goals for the client to reduce decision fatigue
Correct answer: Supporting autonomy by letting the client choose which habit to change first
Self-determination theory holds that autonomy, competence, and relatedness drive intrinsic motivation, while external rewards can undermine it.
Question 4: A client relapses into nightly ice cream eating after two months of moderation. The coach should frame this as:
- A normal, expected part of the change process and an opportunity to learn about triggers (Correct answer)
- Evidence the client lacks willpower
- A reason to return to the contemplation stage permanently
- A failure requiring a stricter elimination plan
Correct answer: A normal, expected part of the change process and an opportunity to learn about triggers
The Transtheoretical Model treats relapse as a common part of change that provides information for future maintenance strategies.
Question 5: Which statement by a coach best demonstrates affirmation, one of the OARS skills?
- 'You showed real commitment by packing lunches even during a stressful week.' (Correct answer)
- 'Great job! You're the best client I have.'
- 'At least you didn't do worse.'
- 'I'm proud of you for finally listening to my advice.'
Correct answer: 'You showed real commitment by packing lunches even during a stressful week.'
Effective affirmations highlight the client's specific strengths and efforts rather than generic praise or coach-centered approval.
Question 6: A wellness vision in coaching is best described as:
- A compelling statement of who the client wants to be and what health allows them to do (Correct answer)
- A list of foods the client must avoid
- The coach's professional assessment of the client's potential
- A quarterly weight-loss target
Correct answer: A compelling statement of who the client wants to be and what health allows them to do
A wellness vision is a client-generated, values-based picture of their desired future self that anchors goal-setting.
Question 7: When a client says, 'My spouse keeps bringing junk food home, so what's the point?' the coach should first:
- Reflect the frustration, then explore what is within the client's control (Correct answer)
- Suggest the client demand the spouse stop buying junk food
- Agree that change is impossible in that environment
- Recommend couples counseling
Correct answer: Reflect the frustration, then explore what is within the client's control
Reflecting emotion maintains rapport while redirecting focus to controllable factors preserves client agency.
CN Health & Wellness Coaching 3
A client scores their confidence to reduce soda intake at 4 out of 10.
Which follow-up best uses the scaling ruler technique?