Köllner M, Janson K, Jahnel JR (2025)
Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes
Publication year: 2025
Publisher: Nomos
Edited Volumes: Health Psychology
ISBN: 978-3-7560-3139-9
Physical activity has positive effects on physical (e.g., prevention of cardiovascular disease) and mental health parameters (e.g., alleviation of depressive symptoms). Motivating clients and patients to do (more) health sport can therefore be beneficial as an augmenting measure in counselling and therapy processes. This chapter focuses on three possible steps towards this end: Clarification of underlying motives, derivation of person-centered strategies for starting physical activity and finally psychological tools for maintaining it. Firstly, central needs of individual clients should be identified via instruments like the Bernese Motive and Goal Inventory in Leisure and Health Sports (BMZI). It is also possible to measure basic self-reported motives or unconscious needs like the implicit achievement motive. As a second step, physical activity can be encouraged by considering the needs and goals of clients. Tools include multiple goal types, SMART goals and positive visions. Finally, once physical activity has begun, it should be maintained by self-reward strategies, shielding behavior from competing tasks and distractions as well as habit formation. The time and costs required to implement our recommendations for promoting physical activity are relatively low, facilitating their application in holistic intervention concepts.
APA:
Köllner, M., Janson, K., & Jahnel, J.R. (2025). Using motivational psychology to promote physical activity: a three-stage approach. In Stang P, Weiss M, Köllner MG (Eds.), Health Psychology. Nomos.
MLA:
Köllner, Martin, Kevin Janson, and Jared R. Jahnel. "Using motivational psychology to promote physical activity: a three-stage approach." Health Psychology. Ed. Stang P, Weiss M, Köllner MG, Nomos, 2025.
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