Psychosocial Aspects of Human Behaviour Change

Question 1

Based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change, a person who irregularly exercises
is at what stage of change?
1. Contemplation
2. Precontemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action

Answer 1

Preparation.
Person is engaging in behaviour change but not at recommended frequency.

Question 2

What statement is the kinesiologist most likely to hear from a female client who is intrinsically
motivated toward physical activity?
1. “I participate in physical activity to reap the health benefits.”
2. “I participate in physical activity because physical activity is in line with my values.”
3. “I participate in physical activity out of choice for my well-being.”
4. “I participate in physical activity because it’s enjoyable.”

Answer 2

“I participate in physical activity because it’s enjoyable.”

1 and 3 represent identified motivation. 2 describes integrated motivation.

Question 3

A kinesiologist has developed a rehabilitation program for Mr. Sanderson after discharge from
a local physiotherapist. Mr. Sanderson has missed 4 consecutive weeks of appointments with
the kinesiologist. How should the kinesiologist proceed upon his return?
1. Explain to him that the scheduled time slot will not open up for another 3 weeks.
2. Continue with the training plan as if he never missed a session.
3. Assess him and make modifications to his treatment plan.
4. Suspend the training plan and refer him back to physiotherapist.

Answer 3

Assess him and make modifications to his treatment plan.
(not sure if this is behaviour change but important to reassess current capacity/stage of change)

Question 4

What is a key idea of the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change?
1. Individuals move through the stages of behavioural change at a constant rate.
2. Individuals use behavioural change strategies only during the initial stages.
3. Individuals move back and forth along the stage continuum.
4. Individuals only progress forward through the stages.

Answer 4

Individuals move back and forth along the stage continuum.
Progression is not linear.

Question 5

When counselling sedentary clients on behavioural modification, during what stage of change
are they at most risk for relapse?
1. Precontemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action

Answer 5

Action. Individuals are engaging in changed behaviour but have been doing so for <6 mo. Relapse prevention strategies are the key to success.

Question 6

A basketball player has to make free throws to win the game and the series; the stress of it causes them to experience “feelings”… What are they experiencing?

a) Trait anxiety
b) Situational anxiety
c) State anxiety

Answer 6

b) Situational anxiety:
A short-term form of anxiety triggered by a specific event, such as public speaking.

FYI:
State-anxiety: defined as a transitory emotional response involving unpleasant feelings of tension and apprehensive thoughts.

Trait-anxiety: defined as a personality trait referring to individual differences in the likelihood that a person would experience state anxiety in a stressful situation.

Question 7

What are the five stages of behaviour change?

Answer 7

1. Pre-contemplation (Not ready): not intending to take action in the next six months.
2. Contemplation (Getting ready): intending to take action in the next six months.
3. Preparation (Ready): Ready to take action in the next 30 days.
4. Action: Have made overt lifestyle changes in the past six months.
5. Maintenance: Doing a new behaviour for more than six months.

Question 8

What is cognitive social theory?

Answer 8

Observing, modelling, and imitating the behaviour of others to form behaviours, attitudes, and reactions. Emphasizes social influence on external/internal social reinforcement.