Behavior Change & Client Psychology Flashcards

Which stage of the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) describes a client who is not thinking about starting exercise in the next 6 months?

Answer: Precontemplation

Precontemplation is the stage where individuals have no intention of changing behavior in the foreseeable future, often unaware or underestimating the problem.

According to NASM, what is the primary communication skill that builds rapport with clients during fitness consultations?

Answer: Active listening

Active listening — giving full attention, reflecting understanding, and asking open-ended questions — is foundational to building the trainer-client relationship.

Self-efficacy, as it relates to exercise adherence, refers to:

Answer: A client's belief in their ability to successfully perform a specific behavior

Self-efficacy is the individual's confidence in their capacity to execute a behavior successfully, and higher self-efficacy strongly predicts exercise adherence.

Which of the following best represents an example of intrinsic motivation for exercise?

Answer: Exercising because it brings personal enjoyment and satisfaction

Intrinsic motivation arises from internal rewards like enjoyment, curiosity, and satisfaction rather than external incentives or pressures.

In the Contemplation stage of behavior change, the most effective trainer strategy is to:

Answer: Highlight benefits and help resolve ambivalence about change

Clients in Contemplation acknowledge a need to change but are ambivalent; trainers should explore pros and cons to help tip the balance toward action.

Which goal-setting framework does NASM recommend for helping clients set effective fitness goals?

Answer: SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely)

NASM uses the SMART goal framework to help clients set clear, actionable, and time-bound fitness objectives that improve planning and adherence.