Behavioral Modification Techniques Flashcards

A bariatric client says, "I want to lose weight, but I love eating out with friends." According to motivational interviewing, what is this an example of?

Answer: Ambivalence

Holding two conflicting motivations at once is ambivalence, the central target of motivational interviewing.

Which self-monitoring practice is most strongly associated with sustained weight loss after bariatric surgery?

Answer: Consistent food journaling

Regular food logging increases awareness of intake and is one of the strongest behavioral predictors of long-term weight maintenance.

A client repeatedly eats when bored in the evening. Which behavioral technique directly targets the environmental trigger?

Answer: Stimulus control

Stimulus control modifies cues in the environment, such as removing snacks from view, to reduce triggered eating.

In the Transtheoretical Model, a client who scheduled bariatric surgery and started attending nutrition classes is in which stage of change?

Answer: Preparation

Taking concrete steps toward change within the next month, like scheduling surgery, defines the preparation stage.

Which counselor response best exemplifies a reflective listening statement to a client who says, "I blew my diet again this weekend"?

Answer: "It sounds like you're frustrated with how the weekend went."

Reflective listening mirrors the client's feeling or meaning without judgment, advice, or reassurance.

A client rewards herself with a manicure after each week of meeting her exercise goal. This is an example of which behavioral principle?

Answer: Positive reinforcement

Adding a pleasant consequence to increase a desired behavior is positive reinforcement.

Which goal statement best follows SMART goal criteria for a post-bariatric client?

Answer: "Walk 20 minutes after dinner, five days a week, for the next month."

The goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, meeting all SMART criteria.