Behavior Change & Motivational Interviewing Flashcards

Which MI technique involves the coach intentionally emphasizing certain client statements to reinforce motivation for change?

Answer: Strategic reflection

Strategic reflection involves the coach selectively reflecting change talk statements to amplify the client's motivation.

A client says 'I know I should exercise, but I just can't find the time.' This statement is best classified as:

Answer: Sustain talk – ability

The phrase 'I can't find the time' reflects a perceived inability to change, which is sustain talk in the ability category.

In the Transtheoretical Model, a person who has maintained a new behavior for more than six months is in which stage?

Answer: Maintenance

The Maintenance stage is defined by sustaining a behavior change for six months or longer.

Which of the following best describes 'decisional balance' in behavior change coaching?

Answer: Weighing the pros and cons of changing versus not changing

Decisional balance helps clients explore the advantages and disadvantages of both changing and staying the same.

A health coach uses the question 'What would need to be different for you to feel ready to make this change?' This is an example of:

Answer: Exploring readiness to change

This open question directly explores what conditions would shift the client's readiness, a core MI strategy.

When a client expresses ambivalence, the most MI-consistent response from a coach is to:

Answer: Explore both sides without pushing toward one outcome

MI honors ambivalence by exploring it non-judgmentally rather than arguing for one side.

Which behavior change theory emphasizes that people learn by observing and modeling others?

Answer: Social Cognitive Theory

Social Cognitive Theory, developed by Bandura, highlights observational learning and modeling as key mechanisms of behavior change.