Document Detail


When 'fit' leads to fit, and when 'fit' leads to fat: How message framing and intrinsic vs. extrinsic exercise outcomes interact in promoting physical activity.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21432731     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
A unique aspect of exercise is that people may choose to engage in it to achieve a variety of outcomes, ranging from extrinsic (appearance, health) to intrinsic (satisfaction, enjoyment). We examined how the impact of gain- vs. loss-framed messages depends on the type of outcome emphasised. Drawing from regulatory focus theory (Higgins, E.T. (1997). Beyond pleasure and pain. American Psychologist, 52, 1280-1300; Higgins, E.T. (2000). Making a good decision: Value from fit. American Psychologist, 55, 1217-1230), we predicted that gain-framed messages would 'fit' with intrinsic outcomes and loss-framed messages would 'fit' with extrinsic outcomes, but the effect of such fit on physical activity would depend on the participants' need for cognition (NC). We tested these hypotheses with a sample of 176 sedentary young adults who read an exercise message with randomly assigned frame (gain/loss) and outcome (intrinsic/extrinsic). Participants provided daily reports of exercise over the following week. The predicted interaction between frame, outcome and NC was found (p = 0.001) such that a 'fit' message promoted somewhat, but not significantly, greater exercise for those with high NC, but a 'non-fit' message promoted significantly greater exercise for those with low NC. Furthermore, differences in physical activity were partially mediated by attitudes towards exercise. Findings shed light on how the outcomes and motivations associated with physical activity shape people's behavioural responses to framed health communications.
Authors:
Kristel M Gallagher; John A Updegraff
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-1-01
Journal Detail:
Title:  Psychology & health     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1476-8321     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-3-24     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8807983     Medline TA:  Psychol Health     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  1-16     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent 44242-0001, USA.
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