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What behavior-modification technique does a health coach use when guiding clients to change perfectionist thoughts?

  1. Problem-solving

  2. Self-assessment

  3. Cognitive restructuring

  4. Negative mood management

The correct answer is: Cognitive restructuring

Cognitive restructuring is a technique that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, such as perfectionist thinking, and replacing them with more balanced and constructive thoughts. This approach is particularly effective because it encourages clients to examine the validity of their perfectionist beliefs and to develop a more realistic perspective on their goals and capabilities. By guiding clients in this way, a health coach helps them to recognize the impact of perfectionism on their behavior and mental health. Clients learn to reframe their thoughts, which can lead to decreased anxiety and a more adaptive approach to challenges. This fosters a mindset that embraces progress and self-compassion rather than an unyielding pursuit of flawlessness. In contrast, problem-solving mainly focuses on developing strategies to overcome specific obstacles, self-assessment is more about evaluating one's own behaviors and progress, and negative mood management involves strategies for coping with negative feelings rather than directly addressing cognitive distortions like perfectionism. Thus, cognitive restructuring is the most fitting technique for changing perfectionist thoughts.