A Physical Activity Possible Selves Online Intervention: A Focus on Self-regulatory Possible Selves

Abstract

Imagining one’s physical activity (PA) possible self can lead to increased PA (e.g., Murru & Martin Ginis, 2010). This online experiment examined potential benefits of forming a self-regulatory PA possible self, which involves reflection on a PA possible self image and strategies to pursue this self. This intervention was compared to a standard PA possible selves intervention and a control condition in terms of impact on motivational, self-regulatory, and PA outcomes. Insufficiently active participants (n = 247) completed baseline measures, were exposed to the intervention or control procedures, and then completed outcome measures immediately and at two and four-weeks post-intervention. The mediational roles of action/coping planning in the intervention-PA relationships were explored. Results: ANCOVAs showed no differences on motivational or self-regulatory outcomes; action/coping planning were not mediators. The two intervention conditions, combined, led to significantly greater PA over the four weeks post-intervention than did the control condition (p. = .041).