Behavior Change and Motivation Flashcards

Which concept from Social Cognitive Theory refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to successfully perform a specific behavior?

Answer: Self-efficacy

Self-efficacy, a central construct of Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, is defined as a person's confidence in their capability to execute the behaviors required to produce specific outcomes.

A trainer rewards a client with a free T-shirt after completing 10 consecutive training sessions. This is an example of which behavioral technique?

Answer: Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves delivering a desirable reward following a target behavior to increase the probability that the behavior will be repeated.

A client has been exercising consistently for three weeks. According to the Transtheoretical Model, which stage of change best describes this client?

Answer: Action

The Action stage is defined as actively engaging in the new behavior for less than six months, distinguishing it from Maintenance, which requires consistent behavior for six months or more.

Which strategy primarily helps clients understand that lapses in exercise are normal and teaches them how to resume healthy behaviors after a setback?

Answer: Relapse prevention

Relapse prevention teaches clients that occasional lapses are a normal part of behavior change and equips them with coping strategies to return to their program after a disruption.

Which behavior change strategy involves modifying the environment to cue healthy behaviors and reduce triggers for unhealthy ones?

Answer: Stimulus control

Stimulus control involves altering environmental cues, such as laying out workout clothes the night before, to prompt desired behaviors and minimize exposure to cues for undesired behaviors.

When a client says, 'I could never be athletic—I've always been out of shape,' which technique should the trainer use to address this belief?

Answer: Cognitive restructuring and positive self-talk

Cognitive restructuring involves helping clients identify and challenge negative, self-limiting thoughts and replace them with more accurate, supportive beliefs through strategies like positive self-talk.

Which type of social support involves providing hands-on, practical assistance—such as offering a friend a ride to the gym—to enable healthy behavior?

Answer: Instrumental support

Instrumental support provides tangible, practical help that directly removes barriers to healthy behavior, such as transportation, childcare, or equipment lending.