Behavioral Modification Techniques Flashcards

A client believes, "If I eat one cookie, the whole day is ruined." Which cognitive distortion is this?

Answer: All-or-nothing thinking

Viewing a single lapse as total failure reflects all-or-nothing (dichotomous) thinking.

Which technique asks clients to delay eating for 10 minutes when a craving strikes and observe the urge without acting on it?

Answer: Urge surfing

Urge surfing is a mindfulness-based technique of riding out a craving until it naturally subsides.

In relapse prevention counseling, a single episode of overeating that does not return the client to old patterns is best labeled a:

Answer: Lapse

A lapse is a brief, single slip, distinguished from a relapse, which is a full return to prior behavior.

A counselor asks a client, "On a scale of 0 to 10, how confident are you that you can follow your meal plan this week?" This tool primarily assesses:

Answer: Self-efficacy

Confidence rulers measure self-efficacy, the client's belief in their ability to perform the behavior.

Which strategy best addresses mindless eating in front of the television?

Answer: Restricting all meals and snacks to the kitchen table

Limiting eating to one designated location is a stimulus-control strategy that breaks the TV-eating association.

A client agrees in writing to attend all support group meetings for a month, with a specified consequence if she misses. This technique is called:

Answer: Behavioral contracting

A behavioral contract is a written agreement specifying target behaviors and consequences.

Which approach is most consistent with motivational interviewing when a client resists tracking meals?

Answer: Exploring the client's own reasons for and against tracking

Motivational interviewing evokes the client's own motivations rather than imposing directives or warnings.