ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

According to the Health Belief Model, health-related behaviors are influenced by what factor?

1. Perception of susceptibility to an illness

2. Personal training certification

3. Access to nutritional supplements

4. Duration of physical activity

The correct answer is: Perception of susceptibility to an illness

The Health Belief Model is a psychological framework that seeks to explain and predict health behaviors by focusing on individual beliefs and attitudes. One of the core components of this model is the perception of susceptibility to an illness. This refers to an individual's belief about their likelihood of experiencing a health issue or disease. When people perceive themselves as being susceptible to a negative health outcome, they are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors to mitigate that risk. For instance, someone who believes they are at risk for heart disease due to their family history may be more inclined to adopt a healthier diet or start exercising. Thus, enhancing an individual’s awareness of their susceptibility can increase the likelihood of taking preventative actions. The other options, while related to health behaviors, don't directly align with the constructs of the Health Belief Model. Personal training certification is more about professional qualifications rather than individual beliefs regarding health risks. Access to nutritional supplements, while beneficial, does not inherently influence a person's beliefs or attitudes about their health risks. Similarly, duration of physical activity is a specific behavior rather than a belief that influences the overall approach to health and wellness. Therefore, recognizing susceptibility is central to understanding why individuals may change their health-related behaviors.