NSCA-CPT Psychology and Behavior Change

Question 1

According to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), a client who is currently exercising consistently for more than 6 months is in which stage?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance

Answer

Preparation

Answer

Action

Answer

Contemplation

Question 2

What is 'self-efficacy' in the context of exercise behavior, and why is it important for personal trainers to understand?

Accepted Answer

A client's belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific exercise task; high self-efficacy predicts exercise adherence

Answer

A client's physical fitness score on standardized testing; used for program design

Answer

A measure of how quickly a client learns new exercises; used for session pacing

Answer

A personality trait fixed at birth; trainers cannot influence it

Question 3

Which motivational interviewing (MI) technique involves reflecting back what the client has said to demonstrate understanding and encourage deeper reflection?

Accepted Answer

Reflective listening

Answer

Closed questioning

Answer

Affirmation

Answer

Direct advice-giving

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?

Accepted Answer

Contemplation or Precontemplation

Answer

Maintenance

Answer

Action

Answer

Preparation

Question 5

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in exercise behavior?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation comes from personal enjoyment and internal satisfaction; extrinsic comes from external rewards or social pressure

Answer

Intrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards (e.g., money, trophies); extrinsic comes from internal satisfaction

Answer

They are the same; the terms are interchangeable in fitness contexts

Answer

Intrinsic motivation only applies to competitive athletes

Question 6

Which goal-setting characteristic is described by the 'S' in the SMART goal framework?

Accepted Answer

Specific

Answer

Sustainable

Answer

Superfluous

Answer

Stretch-oriented