When effects of the universal psychological need for autonomy on health behaviour extend to a large proportion of individuals: A field experimentChatzisarantis, Nikos L. D.; Hagger, Martin S.; Kamarova, Sviatlana; Kawabata, Masato
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02073.xpmid: 22515432
Objective. Based on tenets of self‐determination theory, the present manuscript examined the hypothesis that a physical activity intervention programme that supported the universal psychological need for autonomy would motivate a large proportion of young individuals to engage in physical activity. In contrast, we hypothesized that interventions that did not support the universal psychological need for autonomy would motivate a smaller proportion of young individuals to endorse the physical activity programme. Method. A field experiment was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention that supported the psychological need for autonomy and two conditions that did not support the psychological need for autonomy (rationale‐only or forced‐choice conditions). Results. It was demonstrated that more young individuals initiated and completed a physical activity intervention programme when the programme supported the psychological need for autonomy than when the programme did not support the psychological need for autonomy. Conclusions. Results of the present study provide additional evidence to a growing body of literature recognizing the importance of universal psychological needs in motivating health‐related behaviours. Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject? Previous research has established the unique effects of the psychological need for autonomy on health behaviour. Several studies have shown that individuals are more likely to adopt health‐related behaviour when they complete interventions that support the psychological need for autonomy than when they are exposed to interventions that frustrate the psychological need for autonomy. What does this study add? The current study adds to knowledge by demonstrating that the effects of universal psychological needs extend to a large proportion (i.e., the majority) of individuals. This means that autonomy supportive interventions to change health behaviour will lead to benefits to a large proportion of individuals in a population, which is extremely beneficial to public health campaigns that aim to increase the health of the general population.
Children's physical health complaints after exposure to intimate partner violenceLamers‐Winkelman, Francien; Schipper, J. Clasien De; Oosterman, Mirjam
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02072.xpmid: 22490127
Objectives. A clear association between exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and children's physical health is still not well determined, because adverse effects might be explained by the confounding detrimental effects of other traumatic experiences. This study investigated whether children exposed to IPV have higher risks for physical health complaints compared to children in a general population sample. Second, health complaint differences were explored between IPV witnesses and those who in addition experienced other forms of abuse or neglect. Design. Risk estimates for 21 everyday physical health complaints were made for children exposed to IPV compared to a general population sample using odds ratios. Methods. Primary caregivers of 275 child witnesses of IPV (6–12 years of age) referred to several specialized mental health or child welfare institutes throughout the Netherlands (2004–2009) reported on children's somatic complaints using 21 items of the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) reflecting sleeping, eating, pain complaints, and self‐harm. Results. Compared to a population sample (n= 903), child witnesses more often experienced health complaints, in particular, more eating, sleeping, and pain problems and more self‐harm. Few differences in health complaints were found between child witnesses with and without additional adverse experiences of maltreatment. Conclusions. The degree of physical health complaints in children exposed to IPV is considerable, whether or not they were also victims of other forms of abuse. Early attention to everyday health complaints in children exposed to IPV might prevent more serious health problems in adolescence and adulthood. Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject? Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) increases the likelihood of underimmunization and risk taking behaviours during adolescence, but a clear association between exposure to IPV and children's physical health, such as general health outcomes, use of health services or health complaints is still not well determined (Bair‐Merritt, Blackstone, & Feudtner, 2006). A recent study showed a relationship between (any) childhood adversities and somatic complaints and serious illnesses at age 12 (Flaherty et al. 2009). Studies have shown that co‐occurrence of IPV and child physical abuse or neglect in children ranges between 30% to 60% (Casanueva, Martin, & Runyan, 2009; Edleson, 1999; Herrenkohl, Sousa, Tajima, Herrenkohl, & Moylan, 2008) indicating that so called effects of IPV may be explained by the confounding detrimental effects of other traumatic experiences. What does this study add? • This study indicates that in middle childhood, a diverse set of everyday health complaints may become manifest in IPV exposed children. • The degree of somatic complaints in the domain of eating, sleeping, aches and pains, and self‐harm in these children is considerable. • In general, our results indicate no cumulative risk for health complaints for child witnesses who were also victims of other forms of abuse and neglect.
Employing an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour to predict breastfeeding intention, initiation, and maintenance in White British and South‐Asian mothers living in BradfordLawton, Rebecca; Ashley, Laura; Dawson, Shoba; Waiblinger, Dagmar; Conner, Mark
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02083.xpmid: 22950369
Background. Despite reported differences in breastfeeding rates amongst women of different ethnic groups, little research has investigated whether the thoughts and feelings (social cognitions) of women from these different groups during pregnancy influence their later breastfeeding behaviour. Objective. This study investigates the extent to which social cognitions (based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour; TPB) predict differences in breastfeeding intentions, initiation, and maintenance between White British (WB) and South Asian (SA) women. Design and methods. Two hundred and fifty women (predominantly WB or SA) in the last trimester of pregnancy completed a questionnaire based on the TPB. The women were followed up 6 months later and their breastfeeding during the previous 6 months was recorded. Results. The TPB predicted significant variance in breastfeeding across the sample and was able to account for differences between SA and WB women. Affective attitudes (emotional reactions to breastfeeding) and moral norms (reactions about whether breastfeeding is right or wrong) were the strongest predictors of intentions. Intentions and affective attitudes were predictive of breastfeeding initiation, whilst only affective attitudes were predictive of breastfeeding maintenance. Conclusion. Stronger intentions to breastfeed led to higher rates of breastfeeding amongst SA women. In turn, intentions were predicted by emotional and moral beliefs about breastfeeding, beliefs that were less positive amongst a WB sample. This suggests that those tasked with encouraging breastfeeding may need to have a different conversation with women about breastfeeding that goes beyond a focus on costs and benefits. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject South Asian women living in Britain are more likely to breastfeed their infants than White British women. The constructs of the Theory of Planned Behaviour have been shown to predict breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. However, few studies measure longer term breastfeeding or test whether TPB constructs from the extended TPB measured before the delivery of the baby predict breastfeeding initiation or maintenance. No studies have explored this amongst a British South Asian population. What this study adds This study demonstrates that intentions and affective attitudes are strong predictors of initiation of breastfeeding, but that only affective attitude predicted maintenance of breastfeeding for 6 months. Moreover, we demonstrated that stronger intentions were able to explain the higher breastfeeding initiation rates and affective attitudes were able to explain the greater likelihood of maintenance of breastfeeding amongst South Asian women.
The power of habits: Unhealthy snacking behaviour is primarily predicted by habit strengthVerhoeven, Aukje A. C.; Adriaanse, Marieke A.; Evers, Catharine; de Ridder, Denise T. D.
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02070.xpmid: 22385098
Objective. Although increasing evidence shows the importance of habits in explaining health behaviour, many studies still rely solely on predictors that emphasize the role of conscious intentions. The present study was designed to test the importance of habit strength in explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour in a large representative community sample (N= 1,103). To test our hypothesis that habits are crucial when explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour, their role was compared to the ‘Power of Food’, a related construct that addresses sensitivity to food cues in the environment. Moreover, the relation between Power of Food and unhealthy snacking habits was assessed. Design and Methods. A prospective design was used to determine the impact of habits in relation to intention, Power of Food and a number of demographic variables. One month after filling out the questionnaire, including measures of habit strength and Power of Food, participants reported their unhealthy snacking behaviour by means of a 7‐day snack diary. Results. Results showed that habit strength was the most important predictor, outperforming all other variables in explaining unhealthy snack intake. Conclusions. The findings demonstrate that snacking habits provide a unique contribution in explaining unhealthy snacking behaviour, stressing the importance of addressing habit strength in further research and interventions concerning unhealthy snacking behaviour. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Although increasing evidence shows the importance of habits in predicting a variety of behaviours (e.g., Aarts, Verplanken, & Van Knippenberg, 1998), including health behaviours (e.g., De Bruijn, 2010), with regard to unhealthy snacking behaviour, only one study demonstrated that habit strength is the most important predictor of unhealthy snacking behaviour (Verplanken, 2006). However, as this study was conducted among a student sample, the role of habits in unhealthy snacking behaviour has as of yet not been examined in a community sample. In addition, the role of habits has not yet been compared to the ‘Power of Food’, a related construct that addresses sensitivity to food cues in the environment. What does this study add? The present study was the first to examine unhealthy snacking behaviour among a large representative community sample (N = 1103), showing that the importance of habits in unhealthy snacking behaviour can be extended to the general population. In addition, the present study included the intention to eat more healthily, habit strength and the Power of Food, and demonstrated that habit strength is the most important predictor of unhealthy snacking behaviour, stressing the importance of addressing habits in further research and interventions concerning unhealthy snacking behaviour.
Talking about alcohol consumption: Health campaigns, conversational valence, and binge drinking intentionsHendriks, Hanneke; de Bruijn, Gert‐Jan; van den Putte, Bas
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02080.xpmid: 22646524
Objectives. Although research has shown that whether people talk about health issues influences health campaign effects, no evidence exists on whether conversational valence fulfils a mediating role within health campaign effects. In the context of alcohol consumption, this two‐wave experimental research studies the effects of exposure to an anti‐alcohol message on conversational valence about alcohol. Further, it investigates whether valence subsequently affects alcohol consumption intentions. Design. Eighty‐four undergraduate students, in dyads, were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (anti‐alcohol message vs. no alcohol message exposure). Methods. A baseline measure of the intention to refrain from binge drinking was assessed in advance. Two weeks later, half of the participants were exposed to an anti‐alcohol message, after which all pairs engaged in a conversation about alcohol and binge drinking followed by an assessment of conversational valence and again the intention to refrain from binge drinking. Results. An indirect effect of health message exposure on the intention to refrain from binge drinking through conversational valence was revealed. When participants viewed an anti‐alcohol message, they reported significantly more negative conversations about alcohol. Subsequently, a more negative conversational valence about alcohol increased the intention to refrain from binge drinking. Conclusions. These findings suggest that conversational valence is relevant for health campaign effects. By demonstrating that health messages can influence this valence, important implications arise in terms of health promotion. Future research should focus on how to design effective health campaigns that are able to guide conversational valence in the desired direction. Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject? • Whether people talk about health issues is a relevant intervening variable within the health message – health intention pathway. • The valence of health conversations influences health intentions. What does this study add? • Not only whether people talk, but also the valence of health conversations is a relevant intervening variable within health campaign effects. • Health message exposure can influence conversational valence. This valence can consequently influence health intentions. Thereby, this study holds important implications for health campaign planners.
An examination of hardiness throughout the sport‐injury process: A qualitative follow‐up studyWadey, Ross; Evans, Lynne; Hanton, Sheldon; Neil, Rich
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02084.xpmid: 22882477
Objectives. This qualitative follow‐up study aimed to enhance the interpretability and meaningfulness of the findings that emerged from a quantitative study that explored the effect of hardiness on the prediction of, and response to, sport injury (i.e., Wadey, Evans, Hanton, & Neil, 2012). Design. Using theory‐based and maximum‐variation sampling to contextualize and provide an in‐depth understanding of the previous findings, the participants comprised a purposeful sample of 10 athletes from the quantitative study (M age = 21.7; SD= 1.06). Methods. Data were derived through semi‐structured interviews, and analysed and displayed using composite sequence analysis (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Results. The findings extended Wadey 's (2012) study by identifying the perceived mechanisms by which athletes high and low in hardiness exacerbated or attenuated the impact of pre‐injury negative major life events (i.e., a significant predictor of sport injury) and post‐injury responses. Specifically, the findings demonstrate that athletes high in hardiness possessed a refined repertoire of problem‐ and emotion‐focused coping strategies that they used pre‐ and post‐injury. Those athletes low in hardiness used avoidance coping strategies that had long‐term negative implications. Conclusions. These findings have important implications for the structure, timing, and content of hardiness interventions that aim to reduce rates of injury occurrence and expedite injured athletes’ return to competitive sport. Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject? Although the personality trait of hardiness has received limited research attention in the context of sport injury, a recent study demonstrated that hardiness lowers the risk of, and promotes recovery from, injury (Wadey, Evans, Hanton, & Neil, 2012). Despite these encouraging findings, they fail to contextualize and provide an in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms by which hardiness operates. What does this study add? • A number of personal and situational factors affected athletes’ responses pre‐ and post‐injury. • Athletes high and low in hardiness used different coping strategies throughout the sport‐injury process. • These findings have implications for the structure, timing, and content of hardiness interventions.
Effects of the source of social comparison information on former cancer patients’ quality of lifeBrakel, Thecla M.; Dijkstra, Arie; Buunk, Abraham P.
doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02064.xpmid: 22372850
Objective. Life, following curative treatment, can be a struggle for former cancer patients. In this phase of their illness, social comparison information may help to improve a patient's quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to determine whether the effects of this information depend on the following two variables: (1) the individual's physical health and (2) the individual's sensitivity to social comparison. Design. In the current study, the effects on a patient's QOL were tested that occur when they are listening to a psychological oncological expert talking about cancer patients’ experiences. Three different recorded interviews with experts were compared (on negative emotions, effective coping, or both), and individual differences were tested as moderators. In addition, the expert source conditions were compared with a condition in which the source was not an expert but a former patient. Methods. In a randomized field experiment, 154 Dutch former cancer patients (Mage= 55 years; 68% women) were assigned to one of the four conditions (three expert source and one former patient source condition). QOL was assessed after 2 months. Results. The effects of the expert source conditions on QOL depended on the participants’ physical health (good vs. poor) and on the participants’ sensitivity to social comparison (whether the recipient reacts with contrast or identification), as indicated by significant three‐way interactions (p < .001). Depending on these two variables, one of the three expert source conditions was at least as effective as the former patient source condition. Conclusions. The results show that desired and undesired effects are found when individual differences relevant to the processing of intervention information are examined. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? It is known that social comparison processes are important determinants of emotions and QoL. In addition, research has shown that QoL in (former) cancer patients is lowered and interventions are needed. What does this study add? This study showed that the application of social comparison as a method to increase QoL in cancer patients can be beneficial: It showed that applying the auditory channel, in which the expert source becomes more prominent, is effective. In addition, the study illustrates that psycho‐social interventions can have side‐effects; a phenomenon that has hardly been addressed in the literature and in practice.