HCC Transtheoretical Model of Change 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client says, 'I've been thinking about quitting smoking for months but keep finding reasons not to.' Which TTM stage best describes this client?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Action
Correct answer: Contemplation
Contemplation is characterized by awareness of a problem and ambivalence—thinking about change but not yet committed to acting.
Question 2: Which of the following processes of change is classified as an EXPERIENTIAL process in the TTM?
- Counterconditioning
- Stimulus control
- Dramatic relief (Correct answer)
- Reinforcement management
Correct answer: Dramatic relief
Dramatic relief (emotional arousal) is an experiential process involving emotional experiences that motivate change awareness.
Question 3: A coach uses motivational interviewing to explore a client's ambivalence about exercise. This technique is MOST aligned with which TTM stage?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Action
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Contemplation
Motivational interviewing is especially effective in Contemplation, where ambivalence is the central challenge to resolve.
Question 4: In the TTM, 'self-reevaluation' involves which of the following?
- Identifying triggers that lead to old habits
- Assessing how one's self-image aligns with a healthier lifestyle (Correct answer)
- Rewarding oneself for maintaining new behaviors
- Seeking emotional support from others
Correct answer: Assessing how one's self-image aligns with a healthier lifestyle
Self-reevaluation is a cognitive-emotional process of evaluating how one's values and self-image relate to the behavior change.
Question 5: Which TTM concept captures the idea that behavior change is rarely a straight path forward?
- Decisional balance
- Processes of change
- Spiral of change (Correct answer)
- Self-efficacy
Correct answer: Spiral of change
The spiral model of change in TTM recognizes that relapse and recycling through stages is a normal part of the change journey.
Question 6: A client in the Action stage has been exercising regularly for 3 weeks. What is the coach's PRIMARY focus at this stage?
- Increasing awareness of health risks
- Exploring readiness to change
- Supporting skill-building and preventing relapse (Correct answer)
- Celebrating that the goal has been achieved
Correct answer: Supporting skill-building and preventing relapse
In Action, coaching focuses on reinforcing new behaviors, building coping skills, and preventing relapse.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes 'environmental reevaluation' as a TTM process of change?
- Changing one's surroundings to remove temptations
- Considering how one's behavior affects others and the environment (Correct answer)
- Rewarding oneself with environmental pleasures
- Using nature to calm emotional responses to stress
Correct answer: Considering how one's behavior affects others and the environment
Environmental reevaluation involves assessing the social and physical impact of one's behavior on others and the surrounding world.
HCC Transtheoretical Model of Change 2
A client says, 'I've been thinking about quitting smoking for months but keep finding reasons not to.' Which TTM stage best describes this client?