Which item is NOT a measure of a client's motivation?

Which item is NOT a measure of a client's motivation?

• A. Level of discomfort
• B. Level of hope
• C. Ego strength
• D. Ability to see oneself as able to change

Answer: (A)

Motivation shows up in what the client believes they can do and how hopeful they feel about change, plus their internal resources to pursue it. Hope reflects an expectation that improvement is possible, which fuels effort toward change. Ego strength indicates the inner resources and resilience to cope with challenges that come with making changes. The belief that one can actually change—seeing oneself as capable of change—directly captures self-efficacy, a key driver of action. Level of discomfort, while important to understand the client’s current distress, does not by itself measure motivation to change. A client can feel a high level of distress but still lack motivation, or feel motivated even when discomfort is low.

Motivation shows up in what the client believes they can do and how hopeful they feel about change, plus their internal resources to pursue it. Hope reflects an expectation that improvement is possible, which fuels effort toward change. Ego strength indicates the inner resources and resilience to cope with challenges that come with making changes. The belief that one can actually change—seeing oneself as capable of change—directly captures self-efficacy, a key driver of action.

Level of discomfort, while important to understand the client’s current distress, does not by itself measure motivation to change. A client can feel a high level of distress but still lack motivation, or feel motivated even when discomfort is low.