Changing self-reported physical activity using different types of affectively and cognitively framed health messages, in a student population. Issue 2 (17th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Benjamin; Lawton, Rebecca; McEachan, Rosemary; Hurling, Robert; Conner, Mark
• Is Part Of: Psychology, health & medicine. Volume 21:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2016-02-17
• Subjects: affect -- messaging -- physical activity -- behaviour change; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2014.997762
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-8506

Abstract

Abstract : The present research focused upon the power of different messages to increase self-reported physical activity (PA). Five hundered and ninety six participants were randomised to one of five conditions that varied in the content of message: short-term affective, short-term cognitive, long-term affective, long-term cognitive and a no message control. PA was measured at baseline and follow-up (seven days later) was done using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire over the subsequent seven day period. The affective short-term message (ASM) was shown to be equally effective at increasing self-reported PA as a cognitive long-term message. Furthermore, when controlling for baseline activity levels, the ASM emerged as being the message that produced the highest levels of self-reported PA at follow-up. The findings point to the value of distinguishing between health messages in terms of the focus on affective and cognitive outcomes and the temporal nature of the outcomes (short-term or long-term).