ACE Behavior Change and Motivation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client consistently cancels sessions when work stress increases. According to the Transtheoretical Model, which process of change would best help this client build resilience?
- Consciousness raising
- Counterconditioning (Correct answer)
- Stimulus control
- Dramatic relief
Correct answer: Counterconditioning
Counterconditioning replaces the unhealthy stress-response (canceling) with a healthier coping behavior like attending a session.
Question 2: Which motivational interviewing technique involves reflecting back an amplified version of a client's resistance to prompt reconsideration?
- Simple reflection
- Amplified reflection (Correct answer)
- Double-sided reflection
- Reframing
Correct answer: Amplified reflection
Amplified reflection overstates the client's position slightly, often prompting them to argue for change themselves.
Question 3: A client says, 'I know I should exercise more, but I just don't feel like it.' This statement best illustrates which stage of the Transtheoretical Model?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Contemplation
Contemplation is characterized by awareness of the need to change combined with ambivalence about acting.
Question 4: According to Self-Determination Theory, which type of motivation is associated with the highest long-term exercise adherence?
- Introjected regulation
- External regulation
- Identified regulation
- Intrinsic motivation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation—exercising because it is inherently enjoyable and satisfying—produces the greatest long-term adherence.
Question 5: A trainer uses a decisional balance worksheet with a new client. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this tool?
- Setting SMART goals
- Exploring pros and cons of behavior change (Correct answer)
- Measuring fitness baseline
- Identifying social support networks
Correct answer: Exploring pros and cons of behavior change
A decisional balance worksheet helps clients weigh the perceived benefits and barriers of changing behavior to resolve ambivalence.
Question 6: Which concept from Goal-Setting Theory states that specific, difficult goals lead to higher performance than vague 'do your best' goals?
- Self-efficacy principle
- Goal specificity and difficulty principle (Correct answer)
- Outcome expectancy
- Locus of control
Correct answer: Goal specificity and difficulty principle
Locke and Latham's Goal-Setting Theory demonstrates that specific and challenging goals generate greater effort and performance than general goals.
Question 7: A client who exercises only to avoid guilt is demonstrating which form of motivation in Self-Determination Theory?
- Identified regulation
- Integrated regulation
- Introjected regulation (Correct answer)
- Intrinsic motivation
Correct answer: Introjected regulation
Introjected regulation involves internalizing external pressures, such as exercising to avoid guilt or shame, without fully valuing the behavior.
ACE Behavior Change and Motivation 2
A client consistently cancels sessions when work stress increases.
According to the Transtheoretical Model, which process of change would best help this client build resilience?