Chapter 7: Theories of Behavior Change

Question 1

Construct

Answer 1

An abstract variable that serves to explain a concept, or acts as a link to explain the observed relations between independent and dependent variables.

Question 2

Control group

Answer 2

A group or condition with which the effects of the experimental procedure or test condition are to be compared.

Question 3

Treatment group

Answer 3

A group or condition in which the subjects are assigned the experimental treatment

Question 4

Empirical

Answer 4

Information obtained from observation or measurement using experimentation.

Question 5

Intervention

Answer 5

An intervention is action taken or a treatment program developed to help someone change his or her behavior.

Question 6

Mediator

Answer 6

A mediator is a condition, state, or other factor that is presumed to intervene between the independent variable and the outcome.

Question 7

Meta-analysis

Answer 7

A meta-analysis summarizes the results of several similar studies by combining results to generate an overall effect size.

Question 8

Moderator

Answer 8

A moderator is a condition or variable that alters or changes the relationship between X and Y by affecting the strength or direction of the results of an intervention.

Question 9

Randomization

Answer 9

Randomization, or random assignment, is the random allocation of sampling units to conditions.

Question 10

Wait-list control group

Answer 10

A control group in which the subjects wait to receive the experimental treatment until after it has been administered to and found effective in the experimental group.

Question 11

Theory

Answer 11

A framework that describes how and why behavior changes for a given population in a particular setting.

Question 12

The Transtheoretical model

Answer 12

An integrative model that was developed using constructs from other known theories such as the social learning theory and the social cognitive theory. The TTM states that individuals’ behaviors are based on their readiness or stage of change.

Question 13

Precontemplation stage

Answer 13

The client is not intending to take action toward change and is not considering benefits of change at this time.

Question 14

Contemplation stage

Answer 14

The client is considering the negative consequences of their behavior and is considering changes within the next 6 months.

Question 15

Preparation stage

Answer 15

The client has developed a plan of action toward behavior change and will be making changes in the immediate future.

Question 16

Action stage

Answer 16

The client is actively making behavior changes (regularly active for less than 6 months).

Question 17

Maintenance stage

Answer 17

The client has been actively maintaining the changes made during the action stage, the new behaviors have been established for 6 months or more, and the client is now working to prevent relapse.

Question 18

Heart Belief Model

Answer 18

According to the client, the cost of changing behavior should be relevant and worth the risk reduction it offers.

Question 19

Perceived susceptibility

Answer 19

Beliefs about the chances of getting a disease/condition if you do not exercise.

Question 20

Perceived severity

Answer 20

Beliefs about the seriousness/ consequences of disease/ condition as a result of inactivity

Question 21

Perceived benefits

Answer 21

Beliefs about the effectiveness of exercising to reduce susceptibility and/or severity

Question 22

Perceived barriers

Answer 22

Beliefs about the direct and indirect costs associated with exercise.

Question 23

Cues to action

Answer 23

Factors that activate the change process and get someone to start exercising.

Question 24

Self-efficacy

Answer 24

Confidence in someone’s ability to exercise.

Question 25

Theory of Planned Behavior

Answer 25

The TPB suggests that intention to engage in a behavior is shaped by a client’s attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Question 26

Social Cognitive Theory

Answer 26

SCT states that outcome expectations and self-efficacy are the most important factors in behavior change.

Question 27

Goal-Setting Theory

Answer 27

Goals direct attention and energy toward desired behaviors.
Goals lead to greater effort.
Goals extend the time and energy devoted to a desired behavior.
Goals increase the use of goal-relevant skills.

Question 28

Client-Centered Care

Answer 28

When clients become collaborators in making decisions that affect their lifestyle, they are more likely to follow through with appropriate plans and goals.

Question 29

The Small Changes Model

Answer 29

SCM provides a practical approach to behavior change that has been successfully utilized in nutrition-based and physical activity-based interventions.

Question 30

S in SMALL for goal setting

Answer 30

Self-selected. Your goals should be your own. Choose goals that fit into your life and only change behaviors that you are willing to negotiate.

Question 31

M in SMALL for goal setting

Answer 31

Measurable. Develop a concrete way to track your goal.

Question 32

A in SMALL for goal setting

Answer 32

Action-oriented. Having an action plan allows you to complete the steps needed to make your goals a reality.

Question 33

1st L in SMALL for goal setting

Answer 33

Linked to your life. Goals are best achieved if they work within your lifestyle and match your challenges and strengths.

Question 34

2nd L in SMALL for goal setting

Answer 34

Long-term. Because you want to be healthy for life, any changes you consider should be something you could see yourself doing for the rest of your life.

Question 35

Socioecological Model

Answer 35

Behaviors are shaped by interpersonal interactions, the surrounding environment, community, policy, and law.

Question 36

Feedback

Answer 36

Two-way communication between two or more parties.

Question 37

Rapport

Answer 37

A sense of trust, respect, or confidence, which a client holds for his or her Personal Trainer.