Implicit cognitions in health behaviour change

Abstract

Aims: The symposium addresses the necessity to also take implicit next to explicit processes into account when trying to understand and change health related behaviours. Different studies will illustrate the significant role implicit processes play in the guidance of various health behaviours. In order to achieve more stable and successful health outcomes, the necessity to embed implicit processes in social cognitive models will be discussed. Rationale: During the last decades a variety of social cognitive models have been developed and used in order to understand and change health related behaviours. Explicit cognitions are the main focus of these models. Thereby it is assumed that human behaviour is rational and deliberate. Research has shown however that automatic and less conscious, so called implicit processes also trigger and determine behaviour next and also above and beyond explicit cognitions. The strong focus on latter ones could be a reason why interventions that are based on the aforementioned models fail to achieve long-term behavioural changes. Therefore, we are convinced that implicit cognitions present a promising premise to foster and improve behavioural changes. Summary: The symposium will consist of five unique presentations (á 15 minutes) that focus on the significant role implicit processes play in the guidance of behaviour. Berry will open the symposium with a study on the relationship of implicit associations of exercise with health or appearance, and explicit motives on adherence to a one year long exercise intervention. Subsequently, Muschalik will focus on the moderating role of implicit attitudes on people's intention and physical activity behavior. Renner will address the influence of implicit social cues on food intake. Pereira will present the effects of priming of social influences on explicit and implicit measures. Finally, Hollands will present a study on increasing healthy food choices by non-conscious means.