Answers
🧠 Behaviour Change & Psychology
1. What are the 5 stages of behavioural change according to the Transtheoretical
Model?
A) Awareness, Interest, Evaluation, Trial, Adoption
B) Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance
C) Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
D) Intention, Action, Maintenance, Relapse, Termination
Answer: C) Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance
Rationale: The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) is the most popular
framework for understanding behaviour change. A client moves from having no
intention to change (Precontemplation) to maintaining a new behaviour for over
six months (Maintenance) .
2. In which stage of change should a PTS discuss health risks, myths, fears, and
provide general education?
A) Contemplation
B) Precontemplation
C) Preparation
,D) Action
Answer: B) Precontemplation
Rationale: In the Precontemplation stage, the client is not yet ready to change
and may be unaware of the risks. The PTS's role is to raise awareness by providing
non-judgmental education about the consequences of inactivity .
3. A client who has started exercising but has been doing so for less than 6
months is in which stage of change?
A) Contemplation
B) Preparation
C) Action
D) Maintenance
Answer: C) Action
Rationale: The Action stage is characterized by active behaviour change. However,
because the risk of relapse is high until the behaviour is sustained for six months,
this client is still in the Action stage .
4. In which stage would a PTS provide a personalized exercise design and work on
goal setting and action plans?
,A) Preparation
B) Action
C) Maintenance
D) Contemplation
Answer: A) Preparation
Rationale: In the Preparation stage, the client is intending to take action soon.
This is the optimal time for the PTS to help the client create a realistic plan and set
specific goals to ensure success .
5. What does the acronym SMART stand for in goal setting?
A) Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely
B) Strong, Managed, Athletic, Ready, Trained
C) Simple, Moderate, Active, Reliable, Total
D) Stretching, Movement, Agility, Repetition, Time
Answer: A) Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely
Rationale: SMART goals are essential for client adherence and progress tracking. A
goal like "I want to be more fit" is too vague, whereas "I will deadlift 225lb in 6
months" is specific and measurable .
, 6. How can you make a client's goal of "becoming stronger" a SMART goal?
A) I will be able to do bicep curls and leg extensions.
B) I will train twice a week so I can do an overhead squat without falling over.
C) I will be able to deadlift 225lb (baseline 135lb) in 6 months by training 4 times a
week with my trainer.
D) I will be able to do 50 pushups (baseline 1) in 2 weeks.
Answer: C) I will be able to deadlift 225lb (baseline 135lb) in 6 months by training
4 times a week with my trainer.
Rationale: This option includes a Specific action (deadlift), Measurable number
(225lb), Attainable progression (+90lb), Realistic timeline (6 months), and Time-
sensitive deadline. Option D is likely unrealistic .
7. In which stage of change does the PTS provide encouragement, talk about self-
monitoring, and prepare for relapses?
A) Preparation
B) Action
C) Maintenance
D) Contemplation