NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which term refers to an individual's overall interpretation of their ability to change their behavior?

1. Decisional Balance

2. Self-Efficacy

3. Self-Regulation

4. Behavioral Intention

The correct answer is: Self-Efficacy

The correct term for an individual's overall interpretation of their ability to change their behavior is self-efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to a person's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. It plays a crucial role in how goals are approached and can significantly affect motivation and resilience when facing challenges. Individuals with high self-efficacy are more likely to undertake difficult tasks, maintain commitment to behavior change, and overcome obstacles. This belief influences the choices they make, the effort they put into activities, and their persistence in the face of setbacks. In contrast, decisional balance relates to weighing the pros and cons of changing a behavior; self-regulation involves managing one’s own behaviors and emotions; and behavioral intention refers to the motivation or plan to engage in a behavior. While these concepts are related to behavior change, they do not focus specifically on an individual's belief in their ability to successfully enact that change, which is the essence of self-efficacy.