Psychology and Behavior Change Flashcards

What is 'exercise adherence' and what factor has been identified as ONE of the strongest predictors of long-term adherence?

Answer: Consistent engagement with an exercise program over time; one of the strongest predictors is self-efficacy (belief in one's ability to exercise)

Exercise adherence is sustained participation over time; self-efficacy — the belief that one can successfully perform and maintain exercise — is consistently identified as one of the strongest adherence predictors.

According to Social Cognitive Theory, what is 'vicarious experience' and how can trainers use it to build client self-efficacy?

Answer: Observing others similar to oneself successfully perform a task; trainers can show client success stories or pair clients with similar peers

Vicarious experience (modeling) builds self-efficacy when clients see others like them succeed; trainers can leverage this by sharing success stories or facilitating group training with similar-level clients.

What is 'extrinsic feedback' in the context of motor skill learning during personal training sessions?

Answer: Information provided by the trainer (verbal cues, video review) about performance quality

Extrinsic (augmented) feedback is information provided from an external source (trainer, video, mirrors) about the quality of movement, supplementing the client's internal body awareness.

A client achieves their initial weight loss goal and suddenly loses motivation to continue training. What behavior change technique would BEST help maintain long-term engagement?

Answer: Collaborate with the client to set new, meaningful process and outcome goals aligned with their evolving values

Setting new personally meaningful goals maintains forward momentum; involving the client in goal revision increases ownership and reignites intrinsic motivation.

Which of the following BEST describes the personal trainer's role in supporting a client through the 'relapse' stage of the Transtheoretical Model?

Answer: Normalize the relapse as part of the change process, identify triggers, and collaboratively adjust the plan

Relapse is a normal part of behavior change; trainers should normalize it, help the client identify what triggered it, and use the experience to build more resilient strategies going forward.

What does the term 'locus of control' mean, and how does it relate to exercise behavior?

Answer: A person's belief about whether they control their own outcomes (internal) or whether outcomes are controlled by external forces; internal locus predicts better exercise adherence

Locus of control refers to where people attribute control over life outcomes; those with an internal locus (believing they control their results) demonstrate better exercise adherence than those with an external locus.