Reinforcing implementation intentions with imagery increases physical activity habit strength and behaviour

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Psychology
• Health & Fitness

Background:

• Habits are crucial for maintaining physical activity.
• Interventions are needed to support the formation of physical activity habits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if reinforcing implementation intentions enhances habit strength and physical activity.
• To compare the effectiveness of imagery, implementation intentions, and a combined approach.

Main Methods:

• 186 participants were randomized into four groups: imagery, implementation intentions, combined (implementation intentions and imagery), and a control.
• Participants engaged in a chosen physical activity for four weeks, with assessments of physical activity, habit strength, and imagery use.

Main Results:

• The combined intervention group showed significant increases in habit strength by week three, maintained through follow-up.
• Physical activity also increased significantly in the combined group from week two onwards.
• The imagery-only group demonstrated increased habit strength post-intervention, which was maintained at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Mental imagery can be an effective intervention for supporting habit formation.
• Combining implementation intentions with mental imagery may enhance habit formation for physical activity.