A1 Journal article (refereed)
Testing the Effect of Cue Consistency on the Past Behavior–Habit–Physical Activity Relationship (2024)

Phipps, D. J., Hagger, M. S., Mejia, D., & Hamilton, K. (2024). Testing the Effect of Cue Consistency on the Past Behavior–Habit–Physical Activity Relationship. Behavioral Sciences, 14(6), Article 445. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060445

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Phipps, Daniel J.; Hagger, Martin S.; Mejia, David; Hamilton, Kyra

Journal or series: Behavioral Sciences

eISSN: 2076-328X

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 24/05/2024

Volume: 14

Issue number: 6

Article number: 445

Publisher: MDPI AG

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14060445

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/95213

Abstract

Behavior performed in the presence of consistent cues is a core element for successful habit development, with the repeated presence of consistent cues facilitating the activation of automatic responses in future. Yet, little is known about the effects of different cue types on habit. Using a two-wave prospective PLS-SEM model with a sample of 68 undergraduate students, we assessed the mediating effects of habit on the past-behavior-to-physical-activity relationship, and how the mediating effects of habit were moderated by the consistent presence of different forms of cues. Habit mediated the effects of past behavior on physical activity, with a significantly stronger mediating effect of habit in those reporting undertaking physical activity at the same time of day, doing the same activity, and in the same mood. Consistent place, people, and part of routine did not moderate the effects of habit. The results provide formative evidence for a key assertion of the habit theory that consistent contextual and internal cues are a cornerstone of habitual development and action, but they also indicate the importance of examining different forms of cues and their impact on the formation and enaction of habits as some cues may be more relevant than others.

Keywords: habits; physical activity; effects (results)

Free keywords: habit; physical activity; cues; dual-process model

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1