ACSM Behavioral Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model describes a person who has been regularly exercising for less than 6 months?
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action (Correct answer)
- Maintenance
Correct answer: Action
The Action stage is defined as actively engaging in the target behavior for fewer than 6 months.
Question 2: A client tells their exercise professional, 'I'm not sure exercise is worth my time.' Which motivational interviewing technique is MOST appropriate?
- Confrontation
- Reflective listening (Correct answer)
- Giving direct advice
- Prescribing a strict exercise plan
Correct answer: Reflective listening
Reflective listening acknowledges the client's ambivalence without judgment, a core MI technique.
Question 3: Which behavioral strategy involves pairing exercise with an existing daily routine, such as walking after lunch?
- Stimulus control
- Habit stacking (Correct answer)
- Contingency contracting
- Cognitive restructuring
Correct answer: Habit stacking
Habit stacking links a new behavior to an already-established routine to increase adherence.
Question 4: Self-monitoring is BEST described as:
- Having a trainer observe your exercise form
- Tracking one's own behavior, such as logging workouts (Correct answer)
- Setting performance goals with a coach
- Using wearable technology to auto-record heart rate
Correct answer: Tracking one's own behavior, such as logging workouts
Self-monitoring involves the individual actively recording their own behaviors to increase awareness and accountability.
Question 5: According to Social Cognitive Theory, which factor refers to a person's belief in their ability to perform a specific behavior?
- Outcome expectancy
- Observational learning
- Self-efficacy (Correct answer)
- Reciprocal determinism
Correct answer: Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is the individual's confidence in their ability to execute a particular behavior successfully.
Question 6: A client consistently cancels gym sessions when stressed at work. Which intervention BEST addresses this barrier?
- Increasing exercise intensity to save time
- Problem-solving to identify stress-coping alternatives to canceling (Correct answer)
- Switching to a different gym location
- Prescribing longer rest intervals
Correct answer: Problem-solving to identify stress-coping alternatives to canceling
Problem-solving helps clients identify and address specific barriers, such as work stress, to maintain exercise consistency.
Question 7: Which type of goal focuses on the process of exercising rather than the outcome?
- Outcome goal
- Performance goal
- Process goal (Correct answer)
- Mastery goal
Correct answer: Process goal
Process goals focus on behaviors (e.g., 'exercise 3 times per week') rather than results (e.g., 'lose 10 pounds').
ACSM Behavioral Strategies 2
Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model describes a person who has been regularly exercising for less than 6 months?