NSCA-CPT Psychology and Behavior Change 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Showing up to all scheduled sessions; the strongest predictor is the trainer's technical expertise

Answer

Completing every rep of every set; the strongest predictor is program difficulty

Answer

Achieving fitness goals quickly; the strongest predictor is initial motivation

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Experiencing physical pain during exercise; trainers minimize it through proper warm-up

Answer

Direct personal experience of completing a task; trainers provide this through progressive challenge

Answer

Verbal persuasion from the trainer; trainers use encouragement

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Sensory information the client receives from their own body during movement

Answer

Feedback generated by wearable technology only

Answer

Internal emotional responses to exercise

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Increase training intensity to distract from lost motivation

Answer

Reduce training to once per week until motivation returns

Answer

Switch to a completely different training modality without discussing it

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Terminate the client relationship due to non-compliance

Answer

Treat the relapse as failure and restart from square one

Answer

Immediately increase training intensity to rebuild discipline

Question 6

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

Accepted 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

Answer

The anatomical location of proprioceptors; it determines balance ability

Answer

The trainer's authority over the client's program choices; used to ensure compliance

Answer

A measure of core stability; assessed via plank hold duration