Effects of Directed Thinking on Intentions to Engage in Beneficial Activities: Idea Generation or Mental Simulation?

Abstract

How might people best persuade themselves to engage in beneficial activities, such as dieting, exercise, and studying? One strategy is to think about actions. Another strategy is to think about reasons. In previous research, students who were directed to think about actions increased their study intentions more than did students who were directed to think about reasons. The present experiment tested whether thinking about actions was effective because of idea generation (coming up with the thoughts) or because of mental simulation (imagining the scenarios). In immediate and delayed measures, directed thinking about actions (but not reasons) proved generally more effective when students focused on mental simulation than when they focused on idea generation. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.

Elaboration enhances the imagined contact effect

“…Results supported the hypothesis that manipulations designed to enhance the vividness of the imagined scenario (in this case repetition) heightened future intentions. Later research has supported the idea that enhancing the vividness of imagined scenarios will enhance subsequent intentions and behavior, whether this be through thinking specifically about actions (vs. reasons;Ten Eyck et al, 2006); or about process (vs. outcome; Greitmeyer & Wurz, 2005;. In sum, anything that enhances the vividness of the imagined scenario leads to consequently stronger effects on intentions and behavior.…”

From imagery to intention: A dual route model of imagined contact effects

“…Imagining actions elicited more positive behavioural intentions towards studying than did thinking about reasons. In a study using similar methodology, Ten Eyck, Labansat, Gresky, Dansereau, and Lord (2006) found that simulation enhanced intentions to a greater extent than did thinking about reasons for a range of beneficial activities (e.g., dieting, studying, and exercising).…”

Back to the future: the effect of daily practice of mental time travel into the future on happiness and anxiety

“…The authors also found a positive correlation between the amount of positive projections a person could generate and the size of his social network. Moreover, there is considerable evidence that generating mental images of future success and of the process to get there can sometimes increase achievement motivation, effort, and performance (Greitemeyer & Wu¨rz, 2006;Pham & Taylor, 1999;Taylor et al, 1998;Ten Eyck, Labansat, Lord, & Dansereau, 2006). A positive image of themselves in the future can motivate action by helping people to articulate their goals clearly and develop behaviors that will allow them to fulfill these goals (Pham & Taylor, 1999;Vasquez & Buehler, 2007).…”