NSCA-CPT Psychology and Behavior Change 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), a client who is currently exercising consistently for more than 6 months is in which stage?
- Preparation
- Action
- Contemplation
- Maintenance (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Maintenance
In the Transtheoretical Model, the Maintenance stage describes individuals who have sustained the behavior change (exercise) for more than 6 months.
Question 2: What is 'self-efficacy' in the context of exercise behavior, and why is it important for personal trainers to understand?
- A client's belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific exercise task; high self-efficacy predicts exercise adherence (Correct answer)
- A client's physical fitness score on standardized testing; used for program design
- A measure of how quickly a client learns new exercises; used for session pacing
- A personality trait fixed at birth; trainers cannot influence it
Correct answer: A client's belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific exercise task; high self-efficacy predicts exercise adherence
Self-efficacy is a client's confidence in their ability to perform specific exercise behaviors; trainers can build it through mastery experiences, verbal encouragement, and modeling.
Question 3: Which motivational interviewing (MI) technique involves reflecting back what the client has said to demonstrate understanding and encourage deeper reflection?
- Closed questioning
- Affirmation
- Reflective listening (Correct answer)
- Direct advice-giving
Correct answer: Reflective listening
Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing what the client said to show understanding and prompt further exploration of their thoughts and feelings about change.
Question 4: A client consistently cancels sessions and makes excuses to avoid the gym. According to TTM stages, this client is MOST likely in which stage?
- Maintenance
- Action
- Contemplation or Precontemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
Correct answer: Contemplation or Precontemplation
Avoidance behavior and lack of consistent engagement suggest the client is in Contemplation (ambivalent about change) or Precontemplation (not yet seeing a need to change).
Question 5: What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in exercise behavior?
- Intrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards (e.g., money, trophies); extrinsic comes from internal satisfaction
- Intrinsic motivation comes from personal enjoyment and internal satisfaction; extrinsic comes from external rewards or social pressure (Correct answer)
- They are the same; the terms are interchangeable in fitness contexts
- Intrinsic motivation only applies to competitive athletes
Correct answer: Intrinsic motivation comes from personal enjoyment and internal satisfaction; extrinsic comes from external rewards or social pressure
Intrinsic motivation arises from internal factors like enjoyment and personal fulfillment, while extrinsic motivation comes from external factors like rewards, praise, or avoiding embarrassment.
Question 6: Which goal-setting characteristic is described by the 'S' in the SMART goal framework?
- Sustainable
- Superfluous
- Specific (Correct answer)
- Stretch-oriented
Correct answer: Specific
In SMART goal-setting, 'S' stands for Specific, meaning the goal must clearly define what is to be achieved, by whom, and how.
NSCA-CPT Psychology and Behavior Change 1
According to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), a client who is currently exercising consistently for more than 6 months is in which stage?