Epton, Tracy and Harris, Peter R (2008) Self-affirmation promotes health behavior change. Health Psychology, 27 (6). pp. 746-752. ISSN 0278-6133

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Evidence shows that self-affirmation has a positive effect on message acceptance and other variables that motivate health behavior change; however, this has not been translated into actual behavioral change. We propose that particular features of the previous studies may account for this failure; the current study addresses this. It is designed to test whether a self-affirmation manipulation can increase a health-promoting behavior (fruit and vegetable consumption). It also explores the extent to which efficacy variables mediate the self-affirmation and behavior relationship.

DESIGN

Women (N = 93) were randomly allocated to a self-affirmation or control task prior to reading a message regarding the health-promoting effects of fruit and vegetables. MAIN OUTCOME-MEASURES: Response-efficacy, self-efficacy, and intention measures were taken immediately after exposure to the message, followed by a 7-day diary record of fruit and vegetable consumption.

RESULTS

Self-affirmed participants ate significantly more portions of fruit and vegetables, an increase of approximately 5.5 portions across the week, in comparison to the control group. This effect was mediated by response-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Self-affirmation interventions can successfully influence health-promoting behaviors.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
Depositing User:	Lene Hyltoft
Date Deposited:	16 Nov 2012 14:57
Last Modified:	17 Jun 2013 15:31
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/42626

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