Webb, T.L., Sheeran, P. and Luszczynska, A. (2009) Planning to break unwanted habits: habit strength moderates implementation intention effects on behaviour change. British Journal of Social Psychology, 48 (3). p. 507. ISSN 01446665
Abstract
Implementation intention formation promotes effective goal striving and goal attainment. However, little research has investigated whether implementation intentions promote behaviour change when people possess strong antagonistic habits. Experiment 1 developed relatively habitual responses that, after a task switch, had a detrimental impact on task performance. Forming an if-then plan reduced the negative impact of habit on performance. However, the effect of forming implementation intentions was smaller among participants who possessed strong habits as compared to participants who had weaker habits. Experiment 2 provided a field test of the role of habit strength in moderating the relationship between implementation intentions and behaviour in the context of smoking. Implementation intentions reduced smoking among participants with weak or moderate smoking habits, but not among participants with strong smoking habits. In summary, habit strength moderates the effectiveness of if-then plan formation in breaking unwanted habits.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Science (Sheffield) > Department of Psychology (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Miss Anthea Tucker |
Date Deposited: | 30 Apr 2010 08:40 |
Last Modified: | 30 Apr 2010 08:40 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1348/014466608X370591 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | British Psychological Society |
Identification Number: | 10.1348/014466608X370591 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:10772 |