1. Step up: Exploring the impact of social prompts on stair use in a university setting.
- Author
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Crozier, Alyson J.
- Subjects
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SOCIAL norms , *STAIR climbing , *ACADEMIC medical centers , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *GAIT in humans , *INTERNET , *NONIONIZING radiation , *MEDICAL personnel , *SENSORY perception , *SOCIAL skills , *SURVEYS , *TIME series analysis , *CROSS-sectional method , *PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
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. Highlights • Social norms positively related to behaviour beyond an individual's reasons for taking the stairs. • Both descriptive and injunctive norm perceptions related to physical activity. • Stair prompts targeting individuals' social motivations led to increased stair use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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