Behavior Change & Client Psychology Flashcards

Social cognitive theory suggests that behavior change is influenced by all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Genetic predisposition to exercise preference

Social cognitive theory focuses on the interaction of personal factors, behavior, and environment — genetic predisposition is not a component of this theory.

Which type of goal focuses on the process of exercise rather than the outcome?

Answer: Process goal

Process goals focus on controllable behaviors (e.g., 'exercise 3 times per week') rather than outcomes (e.g., 'lose 20 pounds'), improving adherence.

Autonomy-supportive coaching, as recommended by NASM, primarily involves:

Answer: Offering choices and supporting the client's internal motivation

Autonomy-supportive coaching provides clients with options, explains rationale, and values their perspectives, which enhances intrinsic motivation and adherence.

A client frequently cancels sessions citing lack of motivation. According to NASM's behavior change approach, the trainer should first:

Answer: Explore the client's underlying values and what exercise means to them

Exploring the client's deeper values and connecting exercise to what matters to them can reignite intrinsic motivation and address the root of adherence issues.

Which principle explains why establishing an exercise routine at the same time each day improves long-term adherence?

Answer: Habit formation through consistency and cue-routine-reward loops

Consistent timing creates environmental cues that trigger automatic behavior, embedding exercise into a habit loop that requires less willpower over time.

According to self-determination theory, which type of motivation is most associated with long-term exercise adherence?

Answer: Intrinsic motivation (doing it for inherent enjoyment)

Intrinsic motivation — exercising because it is inherently enjoyable and personally fulfilling — is most strongly linked to long-term adherence in self-determination theory.