Search

Social media has become an integral part of modern society. Many people now turn to social media platforms to share or gain knowledge about best practices for personal health. This new form of health information dissemination has greatly increased in popularity especially among young adults. Currently, more research is needed to identify why so many individuals choose to turn to social media for health information. Using Q methodology, this study aimed to uncover the attitudes, opinions, and beliefs of young adults who engage with social media as a means of obtaining health and fitness information. Results revealed four primary factors: the Health Connoisseurs, the Health Enthusiasts, the Loyalists, and the Virtual Befrienders. Each group possessed different motivations for accessing health-related content on social media. The insights gained from this study can benefit public health institutions, advertisers, and social media content creators as they disseminate health information on social media platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding individuals' preferences for antibiotics can help mitigate the acceleration of antibiotic resistance. Similar to the climate crisis, individuals "today" need to appropriately use antibiotics to reduce the negative consequences of antibiotic resistance for individuals "tomorrow." We use an established—yet novel in this research field—behavioral game approach to investigate individuals' preferences for antibiotics in the face of a between-generations conflict. In an online study, we investigated whether a between-generations (vs within-generations) conflict in antibiotic intake leads to larger overuse and how to promote appropriate use of antibiotics. Results indicate that overuse in the face of a between-generations (vs within-generations) conflict increased. Eliciting empathy toward future generations in the case of a between-generations conflict decreased overuse. Findings suggest that different representations of this social dilemma can influence people's preferences for antibiotics, and that empathy-based interventions might promote appropriate antibiotic use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital health interventions – interventions delivered over digital media to support the health of users – are becoming increasingly prevalent. Utilising an intervention development framework can increase the efficacy of digital interventions for health-related behaviours. This critical review aims to outline and review novel behaviour change frameworks that guide digital health intervention development. Our comprehensive search for preprints and publications used PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and the Open Science Framework repository. Articles were included if they: (1) were peer-reviewed; (2) proposed a behaviour change framework to guide digital health intervention development; (3) were written in English; (4) were published between 1/1/19 and 1/8/2021; and (5) were applicable to chronic diseases. Intervention development frameworks considered the user, intervention elements and theoretical foundations. However, the timing and policy of interventions are not consistently addressed across frameworks. Researchers should deeply consider the digital applicability of behaviour change frameworks to improve intervention success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the important role of romantic relationships in physical activity, little research has examined the role of gender and sexual orientation in exercise-specific relational processes. Utilizing cross-sectional, dyadic data from 462 heterosexual and gay couples, the present study examined how exercise encouragement, exercise discouragement, and frequency of exercise disagreements are related to physical activity, psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. We included important covariates and examined gender and sexual orientation as moderators. Higher exercise encouragement was associated with more frequent physical activity (for gay men only), lower psychological distress (for women only), and higher relationship satisfaction regardless of gender and sexual orientation. Higher exercise discouragement was associated with more physical activity for all participants and higher levels of psychological distress for gay men only. Finally, more frequent exercise disagreements were associated with more psychological distress for all participants. These findings highlight important implications for physical activity promotion, prevention, and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), we examined the effect of threat appraisal information (perceived vulnerability-PV and perceived severity-PS) to reduce vaping intentions, and in turn reduce vaping use. Canadian university students (n = 77) who vape regularly were randomized to either PMT or attention control treatment conditions. Data were collected at baseline and 3 time points after the intervention: Day 7, Day 30, and Day 45. Participants assigned to the PMT group showed significant increases in PV, PS, and intentions to vape less (p ⩽ 0.05) compared to those in the attention control group. Less convincing evidence was found between treatment groups for vaping use. PS and PV predicted vaping intentions, whereas vaping intentions did not predict vaping use. It is suggested through this study that the threat appraisal components of PMT can be successfully manipulated to reduce the intentions to vape and to a lesser extent reduce vaping use among University vapers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic brought social, health-related, and financial risks to older adults, yet their associations with depressive symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG) were not systematically examined. With 3504 respondents aged 60 and over from Health and Retirement Survey, this study found pandemic-related healthcare delay and financial hardship associated with elevated depressive symptoms and decreased PTG, whereas social disruption predicted greater PTG. When confronted with multidimensional difficulties, a higher level of social support buffered depressive symptoms and enhanced PTG following healthcare delay, while those from immediate family members carried the weighing of moderation. Additionally, the moderation effect varied between support types, as exclusive instrumental support engendered more depressive symptoms and squeezed PTG by stimulating a sense of incompetence for older adults. Inversely, receiving both instrumental and emotional support helped individuals of older age against financial-related depressive symptoms. These findings shed light on older adults' mental health promotion in a pandemic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate sports activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Swiss children and adolescents (7–16 years) during the national COVID-19 stay at home (SaH) period. In total, 237 parent-child pairs gave information about HRQoL and sports activity (duration and type) before and during SaH. Results show that sports activity decreased during SaH and was also positively related to HRQoL. These findings indicate that sports activity of children and adolescents should be promoted during SaH, for which innovative home-based interventions may be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by vested interest theory, we assessed whether a lack of stake explains the discrepancy between people having positive attitudes toward their loved one's recovery from depression and the provision of support. We further investigated whether increasing the perceived personal consequences of providing support (i.e. stake) increased willingness to provide support. A stake-boosting message had no direct, but significant indirect effects on willingness to provide support when compared to a control and comparison condition. In summary, increasing stake in a loved one's recovery indirectly increases intentions to provide support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study conducted a latent profile analysis from a US national sample of 446 family members to identify and predict unique clusters of family members' PWD illness appraisals, involvement, and psychological distress. Time since diagnosis, diabetes adherence, the relationship with the PWD, age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, and economic pressure were included as predictors. Class membership was used to predict the family members' own health behaviors (sleep quality, days of physical activity, and diet quality). Results revealed four distinct classes: Moderately Concerned, Involved, and Distressed (32.51%), Least Concerned, Distressed, and Involved (27.13%), Less Concerned and Distressed, Moderately Involved (23.77%), and Most Concerned, Involved, and Distressed (16.82%). The significant predictors and outcomes of class membership revealed interesting patterns in associations with class membership. Consequently, in addition to involving family members, health promotion and intervention efforts must consider the psychological health and illness appraisals of family members rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The body-positive movement (#bodypositive) champions body acceptance by celebrating a diverse - visual - array of body types and shapes online. Sparked out of collective resistance to unrealistic bodies on social media, the #bodypositive community has assembled a considerable following: having now surpassed one billion engagements on Instagram. To mark this milestone, we highlight the problem, the promise, and the peril of image-focused movements on Instagram. On balance, we argue #bodypositive content on Instagram likely has a positive impact. As the movement continues to grow though, advocates can look to strengthen the content's positive impact with some careful, research-informed, messaging adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of 'Teachable Moment' (TM) is an increasingly used term within mainstream health psychology in relation to interventions and health behaviour change. It refers to a naturally occurring health event where individuals may be motivated to change their behaviours from unhealthy ones to healthier choices. Pregnancy is seen as a key time for behaviour change interventions, partly due to the idea that the mother has increased motivations to protect her unborn child. This paper proposes a Critical Health Psychological (CHP) re-examination of the concept and explores the 'teachable moment' within a wider framing of contemporary parenting ideologies in order to offer a more critical, nuanced and contextual consideration of pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. The paper locates these discussions using an example of alcohol usage in pregnancy. In doing so, this paper is the first of its kind to consider the 'teachable moment' from a critical health psychological perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health behaviors are the cornerstone of cardiovascular risk reduction but change is challenging and maintenance is uncommon. The use of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) can promote long-term change however the pathway is uncertain related to cardiovascular risk reduction. A multi-disciplinary clinical team trained in SDT counseled 294 individuals with high cardiovascular risk. Our participants had a significant decrease in cholesterol as well as a significant increase healthy diet and motivation measures. Autonomous motivation was a critical element in the pathways. We demonstrated that a SDT team-based clinical intervention can promote cardiovascular risk reduction through autonomous motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engaging in a healthy lifestyle could be helpful to decrease lifestyle-related health risks and bring long-term health benefits. This research investigated how implicit theories of body weight influence people's engagement in healthy lifestyle among young adults in China. The results suggested that implicit theories of body weight significantly influence people's engagement in heathy eating behaviors and physical activity. Self-control mediated the effect of implicit (incremental) theories of body weight on people's engagement in healthy eating. Implications of the current research for understanding how to promote engagement in healthy lifestyle and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies mediators and moderators of changes in physical activity (PA) following a school-based pilot intervention. Students from two Lebanese schools were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 191) and control (n = 183) groups. The multiple-mediation analysis revealed that active self-identity and perceived barriers mediated the intervention's effect on PA changes. Baseline intention, attitude, PBC, and age moderated PA changes at post-intervention. The youngest participants and those reporting the lowest PA scores at baseline benefited most from the intervention. Future interventions with students should target these mediators and moderators to promote positive change in PA behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosocial variables are key factors influencing the delicate equilibrium of chronic patients during crisis time. In this study, we explored distress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, coping strategies, and changes in life habits in 43 beta-thalassemia patients and 86 controls during Covid-19 pandemic. Patients showed higher anxiety levels and a predominant transcendent coping profile compared to controls. Patients significantly differed from controls in outdoor habits. Social isolation and habits changes in uncertain life-threaten situations as Covid-19 pandemic are particularly detrimental in fragile beta-thalassemia patients. Structured support interventions are needed to promote well-being in the Covid-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence to plant-rich diets remains low despite numerous health benefits accruing to such practices. We sought to distinguish college students who report high adherence to a plant-rich diet ("Sustainers") from those who are less successful ("Strivers"). Sustainers more strongly endorsed multiple ethical dietary motives and indicated stronger allegiance to their values compared to Strivers, who rated health reasons more highly. Sustainers scored better on seven factors relating to effective dietary goal pursuit. Results underscore the importance of motivational factors in the maintenance of plant-based eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing the Common-Sense Model, this random telephone survey examined the associations between illness representations of COVID-19 and behavioral intention to visit hospitals for scheduled medical consultations (BI-VHSMC), and the mediations via coping and fear of nosocomial infection among 300 Chinese adults. The prevalence of BI-VHSMC was 62.3%. Mediation analysis found that maladaptive coping (rumination and catastrophizing) and fear of nosocomial infection mediated the associations between various dimensions of illness representations of COVID-19 (e.g. consequence and controllability) and BI-VHSMC, both indirectly and serially. Illness representations, coping, and fear should be considered when planning related health promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine if greater perceived social support was directly associated with better Type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment adherence and if better T2D treatment adherence was related to lower HbA1c levels in Chilean adults with T2D. For this purpose, 200 adults were recruited from the Chilean Diabetic Association. Participants were asked to complete self-report instruments and provide a capillary blood sample to measure HbA1c. Structural equation model analyses were performed to determine direct associations. The study’s results indicate that greater perceived social support was associated with healthier dietary habits, regular foot care, more frequent physical activity, and lower medication intake. Likewise, blood sugar testing and physical activity were related to HbA1c. These findings provide evidence of how perceived social support relates to T2D treatment adherence behaviors in Latino patients from South America and could be used for interventions to enhance social support from patients’ families, partners, and friends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project investigated how alternative non-stigmatising public health messages influence people's health behaviours and well-being, relative to traditional stigmatising weight-loss messages. We conducted three experimental studies (total N = 1281) that compared traditional weight-loss messages to weight-neutral messages (Study 1), weight-inclusive messages (Study 2) and size acceptance messages (Study 3). Results revealed that public health messages have differential effects on health behaviours and well-being, depending on the audience's BMI or perceived weight. However, campaigns that challenge weight stigma and promote body positivity have positive effects on some psychological indicators of health and well-being for people of all body sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Has political polarization undermined the media' informational role during the COVID-19 pandemic? Recent studies show that politicized reporting from conservative media discouraged compliance with COVID-19 guidelines in the U.S. However, greater attention to the 24-hour news cycle may make high-consumption viewers better factually informed regardless of the source. We examine how the extent of media consumption affects people's emotions, attitudes, and behaviors toward the pandemic. With an online survey of 1128 respondents, we found a strong convergence in anxiety and health-protective behaviors in more avid media viewers regardless of media outlet while finding a divergence in attitudes toward specific mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the prospective associations of COVID-19 fears and behavior, and daily physical activity and dysregulated eating. Adolescents (N = 31) aged 11–17 completed selected subscales of the Fear of Illness and Virus Evaluation and completed a 7-day health behavior diary. Greater fear of contamination was associated with lower daily physical activity. In contrast, greater COVID-19 precautionary behavior was associated with greater daily physical activity. COVID-19 fears and precautionary behaviors have differential associations with health promoting behavior engagement. Future studies should explore the mechanisms underlying these links to guide adaptation of health behavior interventions for this unique cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social distancing through the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sexuality and relationships, which may also change risk perceptions beyond traditional definitions (e.g. sexually transmitted infections). This study examines risk perceptions related to sexuality during the pandemic. We present qualitative analyses of a survey of adults in the United States (N = 333) to identify impacts of COVID-19 on individuals' risk perceptions. Risky sexual behavior definitions included: (1) COVID-19-related, (2) STI/pregnancy, (3) relationship-related, (4) physical boundaries, (5) drug or alcohol, and (6) multiple risks. Conventional public health messaging may need to incorporate changing risk definitions to address sexual health during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-compassion predicts mothers' engagement in health behaviours yet some mothers fear self-compassion. We examined relationships between both self-compassion and fear of self-compassion with mothers' reactions to prioritizing health behaviours. Mothers rated their self-compassion, fear of self-compassion, read a scenario about prioritizing health behaviours and rated adjectives describing themselves if they behaved as described in the scenario. Self-compassion was positively related to positive reactions to engaging in health behaviours in the midst of motherhood. Fear of self-compassion led to negative reactions. This research provides insight into why some mothers feel better about incorporating health behaviours into their lives than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined reactions to the UK government's Better Health campaign through a thematic analysis of tweets. Four themes were generated: Embracing Better Health; There is no Better Health without mental health; Inconsistent messaging; Only a surface-level solution. Findings suggest the campaign is problematic, given its lack of consideration for mental health and wider societal factors that contribute to obesity. The campaign could exacerbate mental health difficulties for individuals with eating disorders due to its focus on weight and perceived fat-shaming approach. Recommendations are made to develop future campaigns that avoid negative public responses, minimise harms, and maximise intended benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 in the Brazilian population, validate the FCV-19S and examine the association of its scores with sociodemographic and pandemic-related variables. A total of 7430 participants were recruited in an online survey. From the factor analysis results, FCV-19S proved to be suitable, indicating a higher level of fear for women and also for those aged 18–29years. Besides, belonging to a high-risk group and having relatives diagnosed or deceased by COVID-19 showed a positive association with fear. These findings pointed out the most vulnerable groups, which can assist in planning mental health actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current methods for assessing health capital are not accessible to clinicians. To increase accessibility, we evaluated a Brief Adult Health Capital Scale (BAHCS-10) using classical and modern testing theories. With 588 clients, we found an adequate fit for the BAHCS-10 χ s c a l e d 2 (35) = 97. 19 , p <. 01 , CFIscaled = 0.949, TLIscaled = 0.935, RMSEA = 0.077, and the SRMR = 0.060. We also found evidence of invariance across race but did find significant non-invariance across some items for gender and age. Future researchers should review items displaying noninvariance and develop optimal cut scores for the BAHCS-10 to further support clinician decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For-cause physical activity events reach many people. Little research has applied Self-Determination Theory to participants' experiences in for-cause physical activity events. This qualitative study explored participants' (n = 18) experiences in 5K for-cause physical activity events and intention to complete future events. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Emergent coding assessed responses for themes. Constructs of competence and relatedness were most prevalent and an altruistic desire to support the cause. Participants highlighted feelings of community supporting their intention to complete future events. Overall, experiences aligned with Self-Determination Theory. Future studies may include altruism to understand leveraging opportunities for promoting physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risky alcohol consumption behaviours remain commonplace, representing a major threat to health and safety, and are especially evidenced by young university students. Consequently, new interventions targeting this high-risk group are required. The current study investigated young male university students’ experiences of a personalised, appearance-based, facial morphing, safer drinking intervention. Twenty-five male student participants were recruited, aged 18–34 years. Inductive thematic analysis of data gathered whilst participants were immersed in the intervention, and thereby exposed to alcohol-aged images of their own faces, produced four primary themes: alcohol as a threat to appearance and health, motivations to protect appearance, motivational aspects of the intervention, and proposed improvements and applications. The results of the current study suggested that participants expressed intentions towards healthier consumption/maintenance of already non-risky intake, supporting the potential of the facial-morphing appearance-based approach to address risky alcohol consumption, even in high-risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular physical activity is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes as well as higher quality of life. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined whether approach bias modification, an economical and easily accessible computerized cognitive training, could increase objectively and subjectively measured physical activity in individuals aiming for more physical activity. Forty healthy volunteers of normal weight were randomly allocated to six sessions of approach bias modification or no treatment. The approach bias modification adopted an implicit learning paradigm that trained participants to show approach behavior in response to visual cues of physical activity. Approach bias modification did not increase objectively and subjectively measured physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the body-positive movement has emerged on social media and has generated both support and criticism in pop-cultural discourse. We review the potential benefits and disadvantages of 'body positivity' on social media in light of theory and the available research. Based on the early evidence showing potential benefits of engaging with body-positive content on social media for positive body image, a case is made in support of this emerging content. Nevertheless, recommendations are made for future research with an emphasis on experimental and longitudinal investigations of actual health outcomes of engaging with body positivity on social media and clarification of the potential relationship between body positivity and objectification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theory of social representations, this study aims to identify the main determinants to participation in colorectal cancer screening. Six focus groups (N = 29 participants belonging to the general population) were conducted, followed by a theoretical thematic analysis. Screening obstacles are a lack of test's accessibility, a low preoccupation for prevention and the negative image of colorectal cancer. Conversely, screening facilitators are the ease of the new test, being encouraged to get screened and appointment reminder. This study advances understanding of adherence to screening by addressing the beliefs and knowledge surrounding it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and acceptance, using the Self-Compassion Scale, and health-promoting behaviors, using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, among a community sample. Canonical correlation results indicate self-compassion and health-promoting behaviors share 76 percent of the variance within the data set. The positive components of self-compassion are strongly positively correlated with health-promoting behaviors, and the negative components of self-compassion are strongly negatively correlated with health-promoting behaviors. Hierarchical linear regression results indicate self-kindness and mindfulness are significant predictors of health-promoting behaviors after controlling for demographics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rasch modeling was used to examine the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale within adults (n = 410) in a weight management program. Rasch analysis assessed model-data fit, item difficulty and person's resilience level, an item-person map to evaluate relative distribution items and persons, and rating scale function. Four misfit items were identified and removed. Item difficulty ranged from 1.25 to 1.19 logits (higher logit values indicate more difficult items). Persons' resilience level had wide distribution (resilience = 2.27 ± 1.56 logits). Item difficulty levels did not adequately assess higher resilience levels. An improved inventory that measures a wider range of resilient behaviors would improve measurement quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the use of narrative persuasion in promoting human papillomavirus vaccination. Compared to non-narrative message, the narrative message increased perceived severity of human papillomavirus, which influenced vaccination intention through heightened fear. The narrative message also dampened hope and subsequently decreased vaccination intention. This research attests to the effectiveness of narrative persuasion in vaccination promotion, but also offers important caveat for message design—egocentric efficacy information is crucial in narrative persuasion designed to motivate preventive health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining adequate blood supplies requires the recruitment of a significant number of regular donors. However, research examining the first-hand experience of blood donation from the perspective of regular donors is very limited. This study sought to describe the essential features of this experience from the accounts of 10 regular donors, analysed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method. Eight essential themes contributed to the fundamental structure of the experience, emphasising issues of blood donor identity, comfortable routine, feeling good helping others and human connectedness and interaction in the donation process. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical events that "trigger" motivation to lose weight may improve treatment outcomes compared to non-medical or no triggering events. However, previous findings include only long-term successful participants, not those initiating treatment. The current study compared those with medical triggering events or non-medical triggering events to no triggering events on attendance and weight loss during a weight management program. Medical-triggering-event participants lost 1.8 percent less weight (p = 0.03) than no-triggering-event participants. Non-medical-triggering-event participants attended 1.45 more sessions (p = 0.04) and were 1.83 times more likely to complete the program (p = 0.03) than no-triggering-event participants. These findings fail to support the benefit of medical triggering events when beginning treatment for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether adding a compassion-focused light touch digital intervention into a commercial multicomponent weight management programme improved eating behaviour, self-evaluation and weight-related outcomes. The compassion intervention significantly reduced binge eating symptomatology and dropout, and improved psychological adjustment and self-evaluation, but did not affect weight outcomes. Compassion, self-reassurance and reductions in shame and self-criticism mediated the effect of the intervention on reductions of binge eating symptomatology. Negative self-evaluation, binge eating symptomatology, susceptibility to hunger and eating guilt were significant predictors of dropout. Findings suggest that compassion-based digital tools may help participants better manage binge eating symptomatology and self-evaluation in weight management interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the prevalence of bullying in Brazilian schools and analyze its association with physical activity and body image, data were collected from 51.192 students. Boys are more frequently bullied (7.2%) and they also bully more than girls (p ⩽ 0.01). Regarding body image, 26 percent of the girls considered themselves thin or very thin (p ⩽ 0.01). For boys, we observed associations between the variable of being treated well by classmates and race. Bullying was associated to mother's education. The data show the need for cross-sector actions based on educational policies and practices that can reduce and prevent bullying in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is a key factor of human health, and additional research is needed in order to understand the psychological causes, consequences, and moderators of dietary behavior. Participants in two studies in the United States completed a 21-day intervention that involved either self-monitoring their fruit and vegetable consumption or self-monitoring combined with earning monetary incentives for behavior. Each day, participants reported their stress, affect, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Hierarchical linear mixed effects model results suggest that on average, daily reports of higher stress were associated with fewer fruits and vegetables consumed on that day. This effect was moderated by incentive condition, such that the relationship between stress and fruit and vegetable consumption was reduced among incented participants. There was also a marginal negative effect of time on consumption of fruits and vegetables, but this was also significantly moderated by condition, such that those participants who did not receive incentives decreased their daily servings, while incented participants did not decrease over the course of the intervention. These studies suggest that incentives may be a novel method for buffering against the negative effect of daily stress on eating a healthy diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore how the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and Canadian Twitter users linked women's experiences and health identities with the #MoreMoments cardiovascular disease awareness campaign. Critical discourse analysis of Twitter data between September 2017 and November 2017 identified two primary discourses (tragedy and loss, and life and health) and two identity/subject positions (visionary leaders and successful survivors). Responsibility for women's health was attributed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, also limiting neo-liberal healthism and risk identification. Novel findings included resistance through use of 'small stories' within discourses regarding the targeted demographic for health promotion and knowledge translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of past behavior on future behavior, considering the motivational sequence proposed by the self-determination theory. The total sample was formed by 293 exercisers aged between 18 and 65 (M = 36.57 ± SD = 11.25) years. Participants completed a multi-section survey of motivational, emotional and cognitive-related variables, and exercise adherence was measured using computer records. Past behavior was found to offset the direct effect of intention on future behavior and the indirect effect of all other variables under analysis on intention, acting as a "buffer" variable for experienced gym members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

#fitspiration is a popular social media trend for sharing fitness-related content. To date, however, it is not clear how best to harness the power of this trend to improve users' health, including how best to tailor its content. In this study, a cross-sectional survey assessed intentions and perceptions of users who host fitspiration accounts on Instagram (n = 65), as well as young adult followers (n = 270). Fitstagrammers and men (across user groups) preferred messaging about earning fitness, whereas followers and women (across user groups) preferred messaging about the benefits of exercise efforts. Both fitstagrammers and followers also noted that they experience both positive and negative feelings in response to fitspiration images, with followers and women reporting more frequent negative feelings (vs fitstagrammers and men, respectively). These findings can inform the use of fitspiration as a health promotion tool, particularly with respect to tailoring content to match user preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Fitspiration' movement may endorse problematic body image and behaviour. This study aims to expand the understanding of 'fitspiration' by examining its presence on YouTube. Analysis was conducted in accordance with Tiggemann and Zaccardo and Santarossa et al. Thematic analysis of videos revealed three themes; 'Fitness and beauty', 'Trust me-I'm a YouTuber', and 'Health for the right reasons'. Thematic analysis of comments revealed themes 'YouTube fitness community', 'Body appearance dissatisfaction', and 'YouTuber fitness role models'. Fitness YouTubers were found to promote unhealthy behaviours to achieve fitness, and commenters expressed belief in and replication of their advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between workload, exhaustion, and key health behaviors for weight loss—nutrition and physical activity. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the path coefficients in a sample of 953 employed adults. The results show that workload and exhaustion were positively related to emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and percent of calories from fat. In addition, exhaustion was negatively related to physical activity levels. Workload and exhaustion are associated with nutrition and physical activity behaviors that promote weight gain and should be considered in weight management interventions for working adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention is being given to healthcare initiatives with the potential to save money and improve lives. One example is social prescribing, which supports patients whose ill-health is exacerbated by loneliness. While evidence has accumulated attesting to social prescribing's efficacy, one limitation has been the lack of a theoretical framework, which limits understanding of how tackling loneliness improves health. In our evaluation of a social prescribing pathway, we adopt a 'Social Cure' approach, which posits that social relations affect health. Our study will evaluate the efficacy of the pathway and determine the extent to which group processes are responsible for health improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships are linked with positive and negative self-management and illness outcomes for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Explanations for these mixed associations have remained separated in psychosocial research in type 1 diabetes by relationship type (e.g. parent vs spouse) and individual's age (e.g. adolescence vs older adulthood). In this conceptual review, we present a novel perspective that close relationships across the lifespan may be beneficial for illness self-management when they support individuals' sense of autonomy, defined from a Basic Psychological Needs perspective. Processes of autonomy support are crucial for promoting illness management across all ages and relationship types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short-term longitudinal study examined whether adverse childhood experiences predicted attendance at a fitness program. We asked undergraduates participating in a group fitness program at a university to complete measures of mental health and adverse childhood experiences at the start of the semester. Attendance data were obtained from the recreational center at the end of the semester. Adverse childhood experiences predicted attendance after parental education and mental health were taken into account. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that more adverse childhood experiences predict lower attendance at a health-promotion program. Findings suggest a need for adverse childhood experiences screening to prevent drop-out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailored interventions delivered via text and voice messages can improve adherence to multiple medications. However, no such intervention has been developed in the UK primary-care setting. We conducted focus groups with 12 patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or both conditions, presumed to be non-adherent and recruited from deprived neighborhoods, to assess the acceptability and inform the development of an intervention to provide ongoing support for adherence, as an adjunct to primary-care consultations. Patients recommended ways to improve the tailored content and delivery of the intervention; like highly interactive messages to report both medication taking and determinants of medication adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in behavioral medicine suggest that optimal solutions to modern health challenges should be multifaceted, targeting multiple cognitions and behaviors simultaneously. Community gardening holds great promise as one such multifaceted intervention but lacks rigorous evidence of efficacy. We present one of the first experimental studies on the topic. The results revealed promise for aspects of community gardening, but also suggest the necessity for the use of rigorous methodologies moving forward. In addition, this article provides a framework for studying the effects of community gardening and similar multifaceted health promotion efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The People's Republic of China has experienced extraordinary economic growth, which is associated with increases in chronic health stressors. We examined the impact of John Henryism—a coping mechanism—on various health indicators in a sample of patients (n = 642) in China. John Henryism significantly related to increased medical adherence (B =. 03 , p <. 001) and health-promotional behaviors (B =. 02 , p <. 001). John Henryism predicted several indicators of psychological health through social support. John Henryism was also related to increased alcoholism (B =. 04 , p <. 05). The findings highlight the complexity and paradoxical implications of John Henryism on health. Implications are discussed in relation to China's epidemiological and age demographic shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]