title: Using the temporal self-regulation theory to examine the influence of environmental cues on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the current study is to explore the predictive utility of the temporal self-regulation theory (TST) for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Hall & Fong, 2007, Health Psychology Review, 1, 6). According to TST, the influence of intention, self-regulation, and behavioural prepotency differs depending on the environmental context in which the behaviour is performed. This study examined the influence of perceptions about the supportiveness of the environmental context on TST-related factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Temporal self-regulation theory was tested using a prospective design with a 1-week follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and fifty-two undergraduates were administered three executive functioning tasks and an online questionnaire regarding their intentions to maintain a healthy lifestyle, environmental responsiveness, and previous behaviour. One week later, they completed a follow-up questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants who were supported by the environment were significantly more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle than those distracted by the environment. Behavioural prepotency was significantly predictive of behaviour performance for 'supported' participants. Behavioural prepotency, planning, and response inhibition were significantly predictive of 'unsupported' participants' behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings provided preliminary support for the use of TST for the prediction of healthy lifestyle behaviour. Importantly, this study provided support for the contention that the influence of TST-related factors would vary according to the perceived supportiveness of the environment. These findings suggest that environmental responsiveness may be an important determinant to close the intention-behaviour gap for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Liesel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Booker
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mullan
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003463:Cues; D004777:Environment; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors