Chapter 15: Basics of Behaviour Change and Health Psychology

Question 1

What is the key principle underlying the Stages of Change Model?

Answer 1

The notion behaviour change occurs in steps

Question 2

What are the stages in the Stages of Change Model?

Answer 2

Stage 1: Pre-contemplation - people are not thinking about changing and are not interested in help
Stage 2: Contemplation - people contemplate the pros and cons of modifying their behaviour. It might take a few weeks to a lifetime to get through this stage
Stage 3: Preparation/determination - people make a commitment to change
Stage 4: Action/willpower - individuals believe they have the ability to change their behaviour. This stage generally lasts 6 months, but can be as short as one hour
Stage 5: Maintenance - the ability to successfully avoid a return to the bad habit

Question 3

In addition to the five stages in the Stages of Change Model, what additional two stages should the personal trainer be aware of?

Answer 3

Relapse - a return to the bad habit

Transcendence - maintaining maintenance

Question 4

Antecedents

Answer 4

Stimuli that precede the behaviour

Question 5

Consequences

Answer 5

A result or effect of an action or condition

Question 6

Shaping

Answer 6

The reinforcement of successive approximations until the desired goal is reached

Question 7

Observational Learning

Answer 7

Individuals are influenced by how those around them behave

Question 8

When should a personal trainer ask for help?

Answer 8

When the trainer finds herself in a situation where she has little or no first-hand experience. This can include circumstances such as:

• Clients with eating disorders
• Clients with low self-esteem
• Clients developing distorted thinking
• Negative change in client’s adherence or satisfaction with the program
• Unhealthy habits