title: Using memories to motivate future behaviour: an experimental exercise intervention.
abstract: This study tested a novel memory-based experimental intervention to increase exercise activity. Undergraduate students completed a two-part online survey ostensibly regarding college activity choices. At Time 1, they completed questionnaires that included assessments of exercise-related attitudes, motivation and self-reported behaviours. Next, they described a memory of a positive or negative experience that would increase their motivation to exercise; students in a control condition did not receive a memory prompt. Finally, they rated their intentions to exercise in the future. Eight days following Time 1, students received a Time 2 survey that included an assessment of their self-reported exercise during the prior week. Students in the positive memory condition reported higher levels of subsequent exercise than those in the control condition; students in the negative memory condition reported intermediate levels of exercise. Activating a positive motivational memory had a significant effect on students' self-reported exercise activity even after controlling for prior attitudes, motivation and exercise activity.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of New Hampshire , Durham , NH , USA.
authors.forename: Mathew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Biondolillo
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Pillemer
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D001519:Behavior; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004522:Educational Status; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D009042:Motivation / Q000502:physiology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013334:Students; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autobiographical memory; Exercise; Health; Memory functions; Motivation