scholarly journals More than planned: Implementation intention effects in non-planned situations

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maik Bieleke ◽  
Eve Legrand ◽  
Astrid Mignon ◽  
Peter M Gollwitzer
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Object Classification ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Classification Task ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Speed And Accuracy ◽  
Critical Situations

Forming implementation intentions (i.e., if-then planning) is a powerful self-regulation strategy that enhances goal attainment by facilitating the automatic initiation of goal-directed responses upon encountering critical situations. Yet, little is known about the consequences of forming implementation intentions for goal attainment in situations that were not specified in the if-then plan. In three experiments, we assessed goal attainment in terms of speed and accuracy in an object classification task, focusing on situations that were similar or dissimilar to critical situations and required planned or different responses. The results of Experiments 1 and 3 provide evidence for a facilitation of planned responses in critical and in sufficiently similar situations, enhancing goal attainment when the planned response was required and impairing it otherwise. In Experiment 3, additional unfavorable effects however emerged in situations that were dissimilar to the critical one but required the planned response as well. We discuss theoretical implications as well as potential benefits and pitfalls emerging from these non-planned effects of forming implementation intentions.

scholarly journals The use and evaluation of self-regulation techniques can predict health goal attainment in adults: an explorative study

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolien Plaete ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Maite Verloigne ◽  
Geert Crombez
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Ehealth Intervention ◽  
Personal Advice

Background. Self-regulation tools are not always used optimally, and implementation intention plans often lack quality. Therefore, this study explored participants’ use and feasibility evaluation of self-regulation techniques and their impact on goal attainment. Methods. Data were obtained from 452 adults in a proof of concept (POC) intervention of ‘MyPlan’, an eHealth intervention using self-regulation techniques to promote three healthy behaviours (physical activity(PA), fruit intake, or vegetable intake). Participants applied self-regulation techniques to a self-selected health behaviour, and evaluated the self-regulation techniques. The quality of implementation intentions was rated by the authors as a function of instrumentality (instrumental and non-instrumental) and specificity (non-specific and medium to high specific). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict goal attainment. Results. Goal attainment was significantly predicted by the motivational value of the personal advice (OR:1.86), by the specificity of the implementation intentions (OR:3.5), by the motivational value of the action plan (OR:1.86), and by making a new action plan at follow-up (OR:4.10). Interaction-effects with behaviour showed that the specificity score of the implementation intention plans (OR:4.59), the motivational value of the personal advice (OR:2.38), selecting hindering factors and solutions(OR:2.00) and making a new action plan at follow-up (OR:7.54) were predictive of goal attainment only for fruit or vegetable intake. Also, when participants in the fruit and vegetable group made more than three plans, they were more likely to attain their goal (OR:1.73), whereas the reverse was the case in the PA group (OR:0.34). Discussion. Feedback on goal feasibility, coping implementation intentions, further research to investigate the optimal number of plans for different behaviours, the optimal frequency and timing of follow-up modules and new ways to incorporate social support in eHealth interventions, are recommended.

scholarly journals The use and evaluation of self-regulation techniques can predict health goal attainment in adults: an explorative study

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolien Plaete ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Maite Verloigne ◽  
Geert Crombez
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Health Goal ◽  
Personal Advice

Background.Self-regulation tools are not always used optimally, and implementation intention plans often lack quality. Therefore, this study explored participants’ use and evaluation of self-regulation techniques and their impact on goal attainment.Methods.Data were obtained from 452 adults in a proof of concept (POC) intervention of ‘MyPlan’, an eHealth intervention using self-regulation techniques to promote three healthy behaviours (physical activity (PA), fruit intake, or vegetable intake). Participants applied self-regulation techniques to a self-selected health behaviour, and evaluated the self-regulation techniques. The quality of implementation intentions was rated by the authors as a function of instrumentality (instrumental and non-instrumental) and specificity (non-specific and medium to highly specific). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict goal attainment.Results.Goal attainment was significantly predicted by the motivational value of the personal advice (OR:1.86), by the specificity of the implementation intentions (OR:3.5), by the motivational value of the action plan (OR:1.86), and by making a new action plan at follow-up (OR:4.10). Interaction-effects with behaviour showed that the specificity score of the implementation intention plans (OR:4.59), the motivational value of the personal advice (OR:2.38), selecting hindering factors and solutions(OR:2.00) and making a new action plan at follow-up (OR:7.54) were predictive of goal attainment only for fruit or vegetable intake. Also, when participants in the fruit and vegetable group made more than three plans, they were more likely to attain their goal (OR:1.73), whereas the reverse was the case in the PA group (OR:0.34).Discussion.The chance that adults reach fruit and vegetable goals can be increased by including motivating personal advice, self-formulated action plans, and instructions/strategies to make specific implementation intentions into eHealth interventions. To increase the chance that adults reach short-term PA goals, it is suggested to keep eHealth PA interventions simple and focus only on developing a few implementation intentions. However, more research is needed to identify behaviour change techniques that can increase health goal attainment at long-term.

scholarly journals Inner Obstacles and Goal-Directed Behaviors of Elite and Youth Level Cyclists: A Qualitative Analysis From the Perspective of Athletes and Coaches

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Hirsch ◽  
Maik Bieleke ◽  
Julia Schüler ◽  
Wanja Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Regulatory Control ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Regulatory Strategy ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Level Performance

Top-level performance requires self-regulatory control to overcome different inner obstacles and to apply useful strategies. As for the importance of self-regulation, investigations have been conducted aiming at the efficacy of the self-regulatory strategy of implementation intentions (i.e., if-then plans) on athletic performance, an approach that combines obstacles (if) and goal-directed behaviors (then) to facilitate goal attainment. In this study, we investigated the inner obstacles that athletes face in competitive situations and assessed the goal-directed behaviors they use to deal with these obstacles in order to design effective interventions based on the framework of implementation intention theory. We elucidate inner obstacles and goal-directed behaviors of elite and youth level athletes with a self-designed questionnaire (Study 1). A reworded version of this questionnaire was used for assessing these research questions from a coaches’ perspective (Study 2). Thirty-four elite and youth level athletes (age: M = 23.7 ± 9.9 years) and 42 elite coaches (age: M = 50.2 ± 9.8 years) participated in both studies. Inner obstacles and goal-directed behaviors were analyzed with thematic analyses. The most frequently named inner obstacles were dealing with demanding situations, pressure, and concentration, while the most frequently stated goal-directed behaviors with these obstacles were preparation, self-encouragement, and relaxation (athletes) and concentration (coaches). The results of these studies illustrate the multiple challenges elite and youth level cycling athletes face and provide important insights for sportpsychological research with implementation intentions regarding plan structure and content.

scholarly journals The use and evaluation of self-regulation techniques can predict health goal attainment in adults: an explorative study

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolien Plaete ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Maite Verloigne ◽  
Geert Crombez
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Ehealth Intervention ◽  
Personal Advice

Background. Self-regulation tools are not always used optimally, and implementation intention plans often lack quality. Therefore, this study explored participants’ use and feasibility evaluation of self-regulation techniques and their impact on goal attainment. Methods. Data were obtained from 452 adults in a proof of concept (POC) intervention of ‘MyPlan’, an eHealth intervention using self-regulation techniques to promote three healthy behaviours (physical activity(PA), fruit intake, or vegetable intake). Participants applied self-regulation techniques to a self-selected health behaviour, and evaluated the self-regulation techniques. The quality of implementation intentions was rated by the authors as a function of instrumentality (instrumental and non-instrumental) and specificity (non-specific and medium to high specific). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict goal attainment. Results. Goal attainment was significantly predicted by the motivational value of the personal advice (OR:1.86), by the specificity of the implementation intentions (OR:3.5), by the motivational value of the action plan (OR:1.86), and by making a new action plan at follow-up (OR:4.10). Interaction-effects with behaviour showed that the specificity score of the implementation intention plans (OR:4.59), the motivational value of the personal advice (OR:2.38), selecting hindering factors and solutions(OR:2.00) and making a new action plan at follow-up (OR:7.54) were predictive of goal attainment only for fruit or vegetable intake. Also, when participants in the fruit and vegetable group made more than three plans, they were more likely to attain their goal (OR:1.73), whereas the reverse was the case in the PA group (OR:0.34). Discussion. Feedback on goal feasibility, coping implementation intentions, further research to investigate the optimal number of plans for different behaviours, the optimal frequency and timing of follow-up modules and new ways to incorporate social support in eHealth interventions, are recommended.

scholarly journals Change Process in Coaching: Interplay of Nonverbal Synchrony, Working Alliance, Self-Regulation, and Goal Attainment

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tünde Erdös ◽  
Fabian T. Ramseyer
Keyword(s):  
Working Alliance ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
State Dependent ◽  
Nonverbal Synchrony

Background: Psychological literature emphasizes that self-regulation is important as goal intentions, goal setting, or implementation intention does not automatically result in effective results in coaching. The question which coaching strategies to apply to strengthening clients' self-regulatory capacities as prerequisites of effective change outcomes remains a black box in coaching.Method: This quantitative study explored clients' self-regulatory mechanisms by addressing how nonverbal synchrony influences clients' cognitive and emotional self-regulation across sessions. One hundred eighty-four coach–client pairs and their evolving change process were observed over 8 months. Video-recorded sessions were assessed with motion energy analysis to automatically capture coach and client nonverbal behavior and quantify nonverbal synchrony at the level of the dyad.Results: Synchrony was differentially associated with clients' post-session questionnaires on result-oriented problem-reflection and self-reflection, affect balance, and working alliance. Network analyses suggested that the association between synchrony and other process variables did not correspond to the previously found positive association between synchrony and positive aspects of alliance or outcome. Instead, this association depended on the level of perceived outcome.Discussion: Coaching success may be predicted by process variables assessed after each session: goal reflection, alliance, and mood all predict successful coaching. The assessment of nonverbal synchrony suggests a state-dependent effect of embodied processes on a coaching outcome that warrants further inspection.

Goal Attainment

2019 ◽  
pp. 245-268
Author(s):  
Peter M. Gollwitzer ◽  
Gabriele Oettingen
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Goal Pursuit ◽  
The Self ◽  
Mental Contrasting ◽  
History Of ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Underlying Processes

This chapter begins with a description of how the goal concept emerged in the history of the psychology of motivation to better understand the important role it plays in current research on motivation. The chapter then turns to the self-regulation of goal pursuit. The effects and underlying processes of two different self-regulation strategies will be discussed in detail: mental contrasting and forming implementation intentions. The chapter concludes with a report of the results of recent intervention studies that combine the self-regulation strategies of mental contrasting and forming implementation intentions to help people enhance goal attainment in the health, academic, and interpersonal domains.

Goal Pursuit

2012 ◽  
pp. 207-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Gollwitzer ◽  
Gabriele Oettingen
Keyword(s):  
Goal Setting ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
The Self ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Theories Of Intelligence ◽  
Mental Contrasting ◽  
Goal Implementation

We start out with describing how the goal concept emerged in the history of the psychology of motivation to better understand the important role it plays in current research on motivation. We then suggest a differentiation between studies targeting the setting of goals versus the implementation of goals to get a grip on the host of empirical work the goal concept has triggered. With respect to goal setting, we first discuss studies that explore determinants affecting the content and structure of set goals (e.g., entity vs. incremental theories of intelligence influence the setting of performance vs. learning goals). We then turn to studies on the self-regulation of goal setting and discuss in detail how a self-regulation strategy called mental contrasting of future and reality facilitates strong commitment to feasible goals but dissolves commitment to unfeasible ones. With respect to goal implementation we first refer to studies on the determinants of effective goal striving (e.g., the framing of the set goal in terms of approach vs. avoidance) and then turn to analyzing the effective self-regulation of goal implementation. Here we focus on the strategy of forming implementation intentions (i.e., if-then plans) and explicate in detail how such planning helps in overcoming classic hurdles to goal attainment (e.g., distractions). We will end the chapter by reporting the results of recent intervention studies that successfully enhanced goal attainment in the health, academic, and interpersonal domains by combining the self-regulation strategy of mental contrasting with that of forming implementation intentions.

scholarly journals Individual differences in if-then planning: Insights from the development and application of the If-Then Planning Scale (ITPS)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maik Bieleke ◽  
Lucas Keller
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽  
Environmental Goals ◽  
Open Question

Making if-then plans is a self-regulation strategy that facilitates goal attainment. An open question is, however, whether there are individual differences in if-then planning. We, therefore, developed and validated the If-Then Planning Scale (ITPS) in three independent studies with more than 2,600 participants. The ITPS is conceptually grounded in implementation intention theory, measuring whether individuals identify critical situations (if-part) and plan goal-directed behaviors (then-part) in terms of opportunities and obstacles. We established the psychometric qualities of the ITPS in Studies 1a and 1b and its convergent and discriminant validity in Studies 2 and 3. Applying the ITPS, we showed that if-then planning is associated with the attainment of environmental goals (Studies 1a and 1b), socioeconomic status (Studies 1a, 1b, and 2), and academic achievement (Study 3). Our results demonstrate individual differences in if-then planning that can be efficiently and reliably measured with the ITPS, and reveal systematic associations between these individual differences and goal attainment.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Mental Contrasting With Implementation Intentions on Goal Attainment

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoxia Wang ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Xiaosong Gai
Keyword(s):  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Mental Contrasting ◽  
Medium Effect Size

Mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII) is a self-regulation strategy that enhances goal attainment. This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of MCII for goal attainment and explored potential moderators. A total of 21 empirical studies with 24 independent effect sizes (15,907 participants) were included in the analysis. Results showed that MCII to be effective for goal attainment with a small to medium effect size (g = 0.336). The effect was mainly moderated by intervention style. Specifically, studies with interventions based on interactions between participants and experimenters (g = 0.465) had stronger effects than studies with interventions based on interactions between participants and documents (g = 0.277). The results revealed that MCII is a brief and effective strategy for goal attainment with a small to moderate effect; however, because of some publication bias, the actual effect sizes may be smaller. Due to small number of studies in this meta-analysis, additional studies are needed to determine the role of moderator variables.

scholarly journals Struggles and Strategies in Anaerobic and Aerobic Cycling Tests: A Mixed-method Approach with a Focus on Tailored Self-regulation Strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Hirsch ◽  
Maik Bieleke ◽  
Raphael Bertschinger ◽  
Julia Schüler ◽  
Wanja Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Intentions ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Endurance Performance ◽  
Implementation Intention ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Test Motivation ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Improved Performance

Endurance sports pose a plethora of psychological demands that athletes have to deal with. Unfortunately, fine-grained investigations of these demands and strategies for coping with them are lacking, severely limiting our knowledge about endurance performance. Here, we investigated the obstacles exercisers experienced during an anaerobic (Wingate test) and an aerobic cycling test (incremental exercise test), as well as the strategies they considered helpful for dealing with these obstacles. In addition, we tested whether if-then plans (i.e., implementation intentions) capitalizing on these obstacles and strategies improved performance in the corresponding tests. N = 59 students (age: M = 23.9 years, SD = 6.5) performed both tests twice in a 2-within (Session: 1 vs. 2) × 2-between (Condition: goal intention vs. implementation intention) design. Obstacles and strategies were assessed using structured interviews after Session 1 and analyzed with thematic analyses. In both tests, feelings of exertion were the most frequently stated obstacle. Motivation to do well in the test, motivation through self-encouragement, as well as focusing on certain body parts and cycling technique were other frequently stated strategies in both tests. There were also test-specific obstacles, such as boredom reported in the aerobic test. The efficacy of tailored if-then plans on endurance performance was analyzed with Bayesian mixed-factor ANOVA. The results suggest that making if-then plans did not help exercisers to improve their performance. These findings shed novel light into the mental processes accompanying physical exercise and contribute to an emerging literature on if-then planning in the exercise context.

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