ACSM Behavioral Strategies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which stage of behavior change would an exercise professional MOST likely use 'consciousness raising' as a process of change?
- Action
- Maintenance
- Precontemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
Correct answer: Precontemplation
Consciousness raising, which increases awareness about the need to change, is most useful in the Precontemplation stage.
Question 2: A client who previously exercised regularly but stopped for 8 months due to injury and is now resuming is BEST placed in which TTM stage?
- Preparation (Correct answer)
- Action
- Relapse
- Contemplation
Correct answer: Preparation
Despite prior experience, returning to exercise after a prolonged break places the individual in the Preparation stage as they intend to become active again.
Question 3: Which approach to goal setting is recommended to optimize motivation and adherence in exercise clients?
- Set only long-term outcome goals to maintain focus
- Use only process goals to avoid disappointment
- Combine short-term process goals with long-term outcome goals (Correct answer)
- Avoid written goals to reduce pressure
Correct answer: Combine short-term process goals with long-term outcome goals
Combining short-term process goals with long-term outcome goals provides both immediate direction and sustained motivation.
Question 4: Which behavioral strategy involves placing exercise equipment in a visible location to prompt physical activity?
- Counterconditioning
- Stimulus control (Correct answer)
- Reinforcement management
- Self-liberation
Correct answer: Stimulus control
Stimulus control modifies environmental cues to prompt or support desired behaviors, such as placing gym shoes by the door.
Question 5: A client who says 'I'll never be fit — I always fail at diets and exercise' is exhibiting which cognitive barrier?
- Low outcome expectancy
- Negative self-talk / cognitive distortion (Correct answer)
- Insufficient social support
- Poor decisional balance
Correct answer: Negative self-talk / cognitive distortion
Negative self-talk and cognitive distortions like overgeneralization ('always', 'never') undermine motivation and adherence.
Question 6: Which behavior change theory emphasizes the role of perceived behavioral control alongside attitudes and subjective norms?
- Social Cognitive Theory
- Transtheoretical Model
- Theory of Planned Behavior (Correct answer)
- Self-Determination Theory
Correct answer: Theory of Planned Behavior
The Theory of Planned Behavior includes attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as predictors of intention and behavior.
Question 7: According to Self-Determination Theory, which type of motivation is associated with the HIGHEST long-term exercise adherence?
- Introjected regulation
- External regulation
- Intrinsic motivation (Correct answer)
- Identified regulation
Correct answer: Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation — engaging in exercise for inherent enjoyment and satisfaction — is most strongly linked to sustained long-term adherence.
ACSM Behavioral Strategies 5
Which stage of behavior change would an exercise professional MOST likely use 'consciousness raising' as a process of change?