Higher social norms are linked with lower activity enjoyment, particularly for persons with low self-efficacy

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the intersection of social influence and self-regulation has received increasing attention in health psychology. The influence of social norms on behaviour has remained unclear, although extensively studied. With this study, we are testing: a) whether perceived social norms are linked with activity enjoyment, an understudied determinant of physical activity, and b) that self-efficacy moderates any link between social norms and activity enjoyment. Methods: In the current longitudinal study, 74 young adults low in motivation to increase physical activity rated their self-efficacy and perceptions of social norms to become more active. After engaging in physical activity, participants rated activity enjoyment, 24 hours later. Findings: Linear regression analysis revealed that participants who perceived higher social norms reported lower enjoyment after they had been physically active (β = - .33, SE = 0.08, p < .001). This relationship was moderated by self-efficacy (β = .36, SE = 0.14, p > .01): Higher perceived social norms undermined activity enjoyment more in participants with low self-efficacy than those with high self-efficacy. Discussion: Our findings are in line with the hypothesis that social pressure can be detrimental for individuals with motivation deficits, particularly those low in self-efficacy. They encourage a closer examination of the interplay of social influence and self-regulation. Future experimental studies should test if increasing self-efficacy before or along with perceived social norms will yield better effects for behaviour change.