ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What is the stimulus that precedes a given behavior and signals the likely consequences of that behavior?

1. antecedent

2. shaping

3. self-motivation

4. high-risk situation

The correct answer is: antecedent

The stimulus that precedes a given behavior and signals the likely consequences of that behavior is known as an antecedent. In behavioral psychology, antecedents are cues or triggers that influence the likelihood of a behavior occurring. They set the stage for how a person may respond and can include various stimuli, such as environmental factors, social interactions, or internal thoughts and feelings. Understanding antecedents is crucial for health coaches, as this knowledge can help in developing strategies to modify behavior. By identifying and altering antecedents, coaches can promote healthier choices and reduce the likelihood of undesirable behaviors. For example, if a client identifies certain social situations as antecedents that lead to unhealthy eating, strategies can be implemented to change these situations or the client's response to them. Shaping refers to the process of gradually reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the desired behavior rather than focusing on the antecedent itself. Self-motivation relates more to an individual's internal drive to enact change rather than the external stimuli that signal behavioral consequences. A high-risk situation pertains to specific contexts that may pose challenges to maintaining healthy behaviors but does not encompass the broader definition of a stimulus preceding a behavior.