1. Step up: Exploring the impact of social prompts on stair use in a university setting
- Author
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Alyson J. Crozier and Crozier, Alyson J
- Subjects
media_common.quotation_subject ,point-of-decision prompts ,05 social sciences ,Applied psychology ,physical activity ,030229 sport sciences ,050105 experimental psychology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,health messaging ,Stairs ,Perception ,Intervention (counseling) ,Design study ,Positive relationship ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,social norms ,Psychology ,Baseline (configuration management) ,social influence ,Applied Psychology ,Injunctive norm ,Social influence ,media_common - Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this research was two-fold: (1) to explore the relationship between descriptive and injunctive norm perceptions on stair-use, and (2) to examine the impact of social and non-social stair prompts on stair use. Design: Study 1 employed a cross-sectional design, and Study 2 had a time-series experimental design, with two baseline periods and two intervention periods. Method: A total of 226 adults completed the online survey for Study 1, reporting their social norm perceptions and individual stair use. For Study 2, 8007 individuals entered the stairwell or elevator over the four-week observation period, either measured by infrared people-counters installed across the entrance to the stairs or by observed trainers positioned near the elevators. Results: Study 1 showed a positive relationship between descriptive and injunctive norm perceptions and individual stair use. Study 2 found social prompts to significantly increase the proportion of individuals taking the stairs compared to baseline. The non-social prompts did not increase stair use beyond the effects of the social prompts. Conclusions: Individuals perceptions of what is typical and/or desirable behaviour relates to individuals self reported stair use. Further, findings support the use of social messages as an alternate message for prompting stair use in a university setting. Health practitioners may wish to harness the power of social influence and emphasise that stair use is typical and desirable. Refereed/Peer-reviewed
- Published
- 2019