ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What best describes Harvey's motivation to lose weight, given that it's influenced by his wife and physician?

1. Intrinsic motivation

2. Extrinsic motivation

3. Self-motivation

4. Familial motivation

The correct answer is: Extrinsic motivation

The concept of extrinsic motivation refers to motivation driven by external factors, such as the influence of other people or external rewards. In Harvey's case, since his motivation to lose weight is influenced by others—specifically his wife and physician—this indicates that his drive to achieve this goal is not solely based on his own internal desires or personal satisfaction. Extrinsic motivation involves responding to external expectations or desires for approval, which aligns with the scenario where Harvey’s decision to lose weight is shaped by the opinions or encouragement of significant people in his life. This demonstrates how social support can impact an individual's health and wellness journey. In contrast, intrinsic motivation would imply that Harvey is motivated by internal desires, such as personal health benefits or self-improvement, without reliance on external influences. Self-motivation pertains to the individual's ability to motivate themselves without needing any external prompts, which isn't the case here. Familial motivation is a less formal term and doesn't precisely capture how external influences like a physician's guidance contribute to motivation. Thus, the most accurate description of Harvey's motivation is that it stems from external influences, marking it as extrinsic motivation.