Can Persuasive Messages Encourage Individuals to Create Action Plans for Physical Activity?

Sweet, Shane N; Brawley, Lawrence R.; Hatchell, Alexandra; Gainforth, Heather L.; Latimer-Cheung, Amy E

doi:10.1123/jsep.2013-0218

Cited by 17 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Therefore, such messages could especially target this group, for example, by leveraging on the fact that in natural environments people would encounter others who, like them, are not necessarily as motivated to do more structured forms of exercise. If framed in the correct way, these messages could persuade people to set specific plans of action for physical activity [41]; a known method of bridging the gap that sometimes exists between motivation and action [42]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why Do People Exercise in Natural Environments? Norwegian Adults’ Motives for Nature-, Gym-, and Sports-Based Exercise

Calogiuri

Elliott

2017

IJERPH

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Exercise in natural environments (“green exercise”) confers numerous health benefits, but little is known about why people engage in green exercise. This study examined the importance of nature experiences as a motive for physical activity and the motivational profile of people who engage in green exercise compared to gym- and sports-based exercise. Physical activity motives and typical times spent in different domains of physical activity were reported by 2168 Norwegian adults in a survey. Experiencing nature was generally rated as the second-most important physical activity motive, exceeded only by convenience motives, and it was especially important for older adults and those who engage in greater amounts of instrumental physical activity. Green exercisers reported stronger motives concerning convenience and experiencing nature, whereas gym- or sports-based exercisers reported stronger motives for physical health and sociability. The motives associated with different leisure-time exercise domains may assist in understanding optimal promotion of green exercise.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why Do People Exercise in Natural Environments? Norwegian Adults’ Motives for Nature-, Gym-, and Sports-Based Exercise

Calogiuri

Elliott

2017

IJERPH

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“…Some experimental evidence from studies comparing gain-and loss-framed message content in trial designs have found no significant difference in effectiveness on proximal or distal outcomes in young adults [55][56][57][58], adults over 55 years [56], inactive colorectal cancer survivors [59], or in community dwelling individuals with multiple sclerosis [60]. However, an advantage for gain-framed messages over loss-framed messages has been found in general adult populations [10,61,62], university students [63], overweight females [64], sedentary adults [65], and cardiac rehabilitation patients [66] on outcomes including attitude, exercise intentions and PA behaviour. It also appears the effect of framing may depend on the type of outcome emphasised and on the individual's need for cognition (i.e.…”

Section: Message Contentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Get the message? A scoping review of physical activity messaging

Williamson

Baker

Mutrie

et al. 2020

Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act

100

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Background: Understanding how to create and deliver effective physical activity (PA) messages for and to various population subgroups may play a role in increasing population PA levels. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of what is known about PA messaging and highlight key research gaps. Methods: We followed a 5-stage protocol proposed by Arksey & O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews checklist. Stage 1: research questions were identified. Stage 2: we identified relevant studies by searching electronic databases, contacting existing networks and hand searching reference lists. Stage 3: studies were screened in Covidence™ software. Stage 4: study data were extracted and charted. Stage 5: findings from included studies were collated, summarised and reported in two ways: (1) a descriptive numerical analysis providing insight into extent, nature and distribution of the included studies, and (2) a narrative summary summarizing the evidence reviewed organised by messaging concepts and by population subgroup. Results: A total of 9525 references were imported into Covidence™ for screening. Of these, 123 studies were included in final analysis. We found that PA messaging evidence is complex and multidimensional in nature, with numerous concepts to consider when creating or evaluating messages. The extent to which these different PA messaging concepts have been researched is variable. Where research has accumulated and evidence is consistent, it supports the following: (1) PA messages should be framed positively and highlight short-term outcomes specifically relating to social and mental health, (2) message content should be tailored or targeted to intended recipient(s), and (3) when developing messages, formative research, psychological theory and/or social marketing principles should be used. Conclusion: While it is unlikely to address global inactivity on its own, PA messaging may play a valuable role improving population PA levels. However, it is a complex and multidimensional concept and greater understanding is still needed. We present a synthesis of the existing evidence, highlighting key areas where evidence has accumulated and where gaps lie, as well as recommendations for PA messaging to different population subgroups.

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“…In the present study, walking brochures lacked general and normative information about PA for health, behavioural prompts and efficacy information (especially content encouraging general walking behaviours). Messages containing such information can be effective in motivating inactive people to set better plans to undertake PA (Sweet et al , 2014). Most brochures and much of the content therein, whether intentionally or not, was therefore intended for people who already do recreational walking in the natural environment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How do brochures encourage walking in natural environments in the UK? A content analysis

Elliott

White

Taylor³

et al. 2016

Health Promot. Int.

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Although walking for leisure can support health, there has been little systematic attempt to consider how recreational walking is best promoted. In the UK, local authorities create promotional materials for walking networks, but little is known about whether they effectively encourage walking through persuasive messaging. Many of these materials pertain to walks in natural environments which evidence suggests are generally visited less frequently by physically inactive individuals. Consequently the present study explores whether and how recreational walking brochures use persuasive messages in their promotion of walks in natural environments. A coding taxonomy was developed to classify text in recreational walking brochures according to five behavioural content areas and 87 categories of potentially persuasive messages. Reliability of the taxonomy was ascertained and a quantitative content analysis was applied to 26 brochures collected from Devon, UK. Brochures often provided information about an advertised route, highlighted cultural and aesthetic points of interest, and provided directions. Brochures did not use many potentially effective messages. Text seldom prompted behaviour change or built confidence for walking. Social norm related information was rarely provided and there was a general lack of information on physical activity and its benefits for health and well-being. The limited range of message strategies used in recreational walking brochures may not optimally facilitate walking in natural environments for inactive people. Future research should examine the effects of theory-informed brochures on walking intentions and behaviour. The taxonomy could be adapted to suit different media and practices surrounding physical activity in natural environments.

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Can Persuasive Messages Encourage Individuals to Create Action Plans for Physical Activity?

Cited by 17 publications

References 25 publications

Why Do People Exercise in Natural Environments? Norwegian Adults’ Motives for Nature-, Gym-, and Sports-Based Exercise

Why Do People Exercise in Natural Environments? Norwegian Adults’ Motives for Nature-, Gym-, and Sports-Based Exercise

Get the message? A scoping review of physical activity messaging

How do brochures encourage walking in natural environments in the UK? A content analysis

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