To encourage confidence, empowerment, and motivation in a client discouraged about losing weight, which skill should the nurse teach?

• A. Visualization
• B. Goal setting
• C. Positive self-talk
• D. Social support

Answer: (C)

Positive self-talk builds the internal confidence and persistence that weight-loss efforts rely on. When a client feels discouraged, the way they talk to themselves shapes motivation and willingness to keep trying. Teaching positive self-talk helps them notice negative thoughts, reframe them into constructive, encouraging statements, and recognize small successes. This strengthens self-efficacy—the belief they can achieve change—which fuels ongoing effort even after setbacks. For example, shifting from “I can’t do this” to “I can take a small healthy step right now and keep going” keeps momentum alive. Other skills like visualization, goal setting, or relying on social support are valuable, but the internal shift created by positive self-talk most directly fosters confidence, empowerment, and sustained motivation.