Promoting physical activity with goal-oriented mental imagery: a randomized controlled trial

Self-regulation theory and research suggests that different types of mental imagery can promote goal-directed behaviors. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of approach imagery (attainment of desired goal states) and process imagery (steps for enacting behavior) in promoting physi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of behavioral medicine 2012-06, Vol.35 (3), p.347-363
Main Authors: Chan, Carina K. Y., Cameron, Linda D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Action planning
Adolescent
Adult
Cardiovascular disease
Clinical trials
Equipment and supplies
Exercise
Exercise - psychology
Family Medicine
Female
General Practice
Goal setting
Goals
Health behavior
Health promotion
Health Promotion - methods
Health Psychology
Humans
Image processing
Imagery
Imagery (Psychotherapy) - methods
Inactive
Intervention
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mental imagery
Middle Aged
Physical activity
Planning
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Self-regulation theory and research suggests that different types of mental imagery can promote goal-directed behaviors. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of approach imagery (attainment of desired goal states) and process imagery (steps for enacting behavior) in promoting physical activity among inactive individuals. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 182 inactive adults who received one of four interventions for generating mental images related to physical activity over a 4-week period, with Approach Imagery (approach versus neutral) and Process Imagery (process versus no process) as the intervention strategies. Participants received imagery training and practiced daily. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that Approach Imagery: (1) increased approach motivations for physical activity at Week 4; (2) induced greater intentions post-session, which subsequently induced more action planning at Week 4; (3) enhanced action planning when combined with process images at post-session and Week 1; and (4) facilitated more physical activity at Week 4 via action planning. These findings suggest that inducing approach orientation via mental imagery may be a convenient and low-cost technique to promote physical activity among inactive individuals.
ISSN:0160-7715
1573-3521
DOI:10.1007/s10865-011-9360-6