Behavior Change and Motivation Flashcards

Which concept describes whether an individual believes their health outcomes are controlled by their own actions or by external forces such as luck or other people?

Answer: Health locus of control

Health locus of control categorizes individuals as having an internal locus (believing they control their health) or an external locus (attributing health to fate, chance, or powerful others).

In the context of behavior change theory, 'decisional balance' refers to the process of weighing which of the following?

Answer: The perceived pros and cons of changing a behavior

Decisional balance involves systematically comparing the perceived benefits (pros) and costs (cons) of adopting a new behavior, which helps shift the motivational calculus toward change.

A client has been thinking about exercising and has now signed up for a gym membership. According to the Transtheoretical Model, this transition represents a move from which stage to which stage?

Answer: Contemplation to Preparation

Signing up for a gym represents the client moving from merely thinking about change (Contemplation) to taking concrete preparatory steps, which defines the Preparation stage.

Which goal-setting approach is most likely to sustain exercise motivation by providing both daily direction and long-term vision?

Answer: Combining process goals with outcome goals

Combining process goals (e.g., exercising three times per week) with outcome goals (e.g., reducing body fat) provides both daily behavioral direction and a meaningful long-term target, optimizing motivation.

According to the Health Belief Model, which construct refers to a person's belief that they are personally at risk for a particular health condition?

Answer: Perceived susceptibility

Perceived susceptibility is the individual's subjective belief about their personal risk of developing a health condition, which is a key driver of motivation to take preventive action.

Which client communication technique involves paraphrasing or mirroring back what a client has said to demonstrate understanding and encourage them to elaborate?

Answer: Reflective listening

Reflective listening involves restating or paraphrasing the client's words or feelings to confirm understanding and create a safe space for the client to explore their thoughts more deeply.

In the Transtheoretical Model, the Maintenance stage is generally defined as consistently engaging in the new behavior for at least how long?

Answer: 6 months

Maintenance begins when an individual has been consistently practicing the new behavior for six months or more and is actively working to prevent relapse.