Volume 18, Issue 4 p. 745-762

Special Section Article

Using the temporal self-regulation theory to examine the influence of environmental cues on maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Liesel Booker,

Liesel Booker

School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Barbara Mullan,

Corresponding Author

Barbara Mullan

School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence should be addressed to Barbara Mullan, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (email: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this author

Liesel Booker,

Liesel Booker

School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Search for more papers by this author

Barbara Mullan,

Corresponding Author

Barbara Mullan

School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Correspondence should be addressed to Barbara Mullan, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (email: [email protected]).Search for more papers by this author

First published: 21 December 2012

https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12015

Citations: 30

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Abstract

Objectives

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.

Design

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.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Young adults fail to adhere to behaviours indicative of healthy lifestyle. Self-regulation and behavioural prepotency add unique variance to the prediction of health behaviour. The influence of these factors is thought to vary according to environmental context.

What does this study add? Individuals who feel supported by the environment are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle than those who feel distracted by the environment. Behavioural prepotency is predictive of healthy lifestyle for individuals who feel ‘supported’ by the environment. Behavioural prepotency, planning and response inhibition are predictive of healthy lifestyle for individuals who feel ‘unsupported’ by the environment.

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Volume18, Issue4

November 2013

Pages 745-762

Using the temporal self-regulation theory to examine the influence of environmental cues on maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Statement of contribution

References

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Using the temporal self-regulation theory to examine the influence of environmental cues on maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Statement of contribution

References

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information