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

Carina K Y Chan1, Linda D Cameron

  • 1Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University (Sunway Campus), Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 46150, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. carina.chan@monash.edu

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Mental imagery, specifically approach imagery, effectively boosts physical activity in inactive adults. This technique enhances motivation, intentions, and action planning, promoting sustained engagement in exercise.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Self-Regulation Theory

Background:

  • Self-regulation theory posits mental imagery influences goal-directed behaviors.
  • Different imagery types may differentially impact behavior initiation and maintenance.
  • Physical activity promotion remains a public health priority, especially for inactive populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of approach imagery versus process imagery in promoting physical activity.
  • To investigate the impact of these imagery types on motivation, intentions, and action planning.
  • To examine the combined effects of approach and process imagery.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized controlled trial with 182 inactive adults over 4 weeks.
  • Four intervention groups: Approach Imagery (approach vs. neutral) and Process Imagery (process vs. no process).
  • Daily imagery practice following initial training; repeated measures ANOVAs for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Approach imagery increased physical activity motivation and intentions.
  • Approach imagery enhanced action planning, particularly when combined with process imagery.
  • Action planning mediated the effect of approach imagery on increased physical activity at 4 weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Approach imagery is a viable, low-cost strategy to increase physical activity motivation and behavior.
  • Combining approach and process imagery may optimize action planning for physical activity.
  • Mental imagery interventions show promise for promoting lifestyle changes in inactive individuals.