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How does a school-based intervention impact students' social cognitions on reducing sedentary behavior over 14
Matthias Burkard Aulbach1,2,3, Sarmite Puukko1,4, Minttu Palsola1,4
1Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Psychology, Health & Medicine
|November 28, 2023
Summary
The Let's Move It intervention reduced sedentary behavior in vocational students, but effects on social cognitions were modest and short-lived. Behavioral changes may stem more from environmental shifts than conscious intention shifts.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Public health
- Educational interventions
Background:
- Sedentary behavior (SB) is prevalent among students and negatively impacts health.
- Existing interventions often focus narrowly on screen time reduction.
- Vocational schools are understudied environments for behavioral interventions targeting SB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Let's Move It intervention on social cognitions related to SB reduction.
- To assess changes in intention and descriptive norms regarding SB in vocational students.
- To determine the durability of intervention effects on social cognitions over time.
Main Methods:
- Cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 1166 vocational students.
- Intervention included weekly sessions, posters, and teacher involvement, employing environmental and psychological strategies.
- Self-reported social cognitions (Reasoned Action Approach) measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 14-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed greater improvements in intention and descriptive norms compared to the control group.
- These positive effects on social cognitions diminished by the 14-month follow-up.
- Significant reductions in sedentary time were observed post-intervention in the intervention arm.
Conclusions:
- The Let's Move It intervention had modest, short-lived effects on social cognitions related to SB.
- Observed behavioral changes might be more attributable to environmental modifications than shifts in conscious intentions.
- Future SB reduction interventions should aim for robust, lasting changes in intentions to promote generalized behavior modification.
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