ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What term is defined as one's belief in personal control over health consequences?

1. Operant conditioning

2. Self-efficacy

3. Decisional balance

4. Locus of control

The correct answer is: Locus of control

The term that describes one's belief in personal control over health consequences is accurately defined as "locus of control." This concept refers to the degree to which individuals believe they can influence the events that affect their lives, including health-related decisions and outcomes. A person with an internal locus of control feels that they can affect their health quality through their own actions, decisions, and behaviors, while a person with an external locus of control may believe that outside forces or luck significantly dictate their health status. In the context of health coaching, understanding a client's locus of control is crucial, as it can influence their motivation and engagement in health behavior change. Clients with a strong internal locus of control are often more proactive in managing their health, whereas those with a more external locus might rely heavily on external factors, such as healthcare professionals or societal influences, which can impact their success in making sustainable lifestyle changes.