How time and effort influence motivational decision making
Abstract
Traditionally, the study of motivation in exercise contexts focused on the promotion of the positive aspects of exercise (e.g., health and social benefits). More recent frameworks now acknowledge that a) the alternative option (i.e., being inactive) may also have benefits or b) exercise participation itself might have associated psychological costs (e.g., effort required). Both these possibilities are likely to hinder the uptake of exercise and physical activity. This talk will first explain how time might influence how individuals evaluate these costs and benefits. The implication of this idea is that individuals can shape their routines to enhance exercise engagement. Building on the idea that effort is psychologically costly, the talk will then explain how different features of effort may vary in how off-putting they are to individuals considering exercise options. Finally, the talk will integrate ideas about time and effort to explain “motivational inertia”, which refers to how effort costs are typically evaluated higher at the beginning of a task, compared to during it.
Recommended literature
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