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This exploratory study examined the interaction between messages conveying descriptive norms and image appeals on adults' physical activity intentions. Using a pre-post experimental design, insufficiently active adults (N = 204) were randomly assigned to receive one of four messages, which included both a descriptive norm (prevalence of physical activity: high vs. low) and an image appeal (personality attributes: positive vs. negative). The results from an analysis of covariance, controlling for baseline physical activity intentions, revealed a significant interaction. Post-hoc analyses indicated that when the image appeal was positive, those who received the low descriptive norm had greater physical activity intentions than the high descriptive norm condition. No significant interaction was found for negative image appeals. Results provide preliminary evidence that physical activity intentions can be positively influenced even when physical activity is not considered the norm. Messages that include low descriptive norm information may benefit from including positive image appeals of those who do engage in physical activity, if aiming to increase physical activity intentions in insufficiently active adults.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social norms emanating from two different channels (i.e. coaches and peers) and individual self-reported effort in youth athletes. Female youth athletes (N = 145, Mage = 13.9 years) attending a five-day summer volleyball sport camp self-reported their perceptions of their coach's approval of effort during the camp (coach subjective norm), how many of their peers exerted effort during the camp (peer descriptive norm), and their own effort during the camp. Results from a regression analysis indicated that perceived social norms associated with both channels were positively associated with self-reported effort, accounting for 13% of the variance. These results suggest that both coach and peer normative information may be important external sources of motivation associated with individual effort in youth sport. This highlights the possible importance of including normative information from either source, and suggests that both coaches and peers may be important channels of normative influence. If replicated, the current findings have implications for understanding the social influences associated with athlete effort in youth athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract Objectives The purpose was to explore the relationship between athletes' self-compassion and perceptions of their teammates' self-compassion (descriptive norm). A secondary purpose was to explore whether gender moderated this relationship. Design Cross-sectional, online survey. Method Team sport competitive athletes (N = 108; M age = 23.1 years; SD age = 4.68) reported their descriptive norm perceptions of their teammates' self-compassion as well as their own self-compassion. Results Hierarchical regression analysis indicated a positive relationship between descriptive norms and self-compassion, explaining 17.2% of the variance in self-compassion. The more it was perceived that teammates were engaging in self-compassion, the more likely athletes reported being self-compassionate (β = 0.39). There were no significant main or interaction effects of gender. Conclusions Athletes' self-compassion is related to their perceptions of how often their teammates are self-compassionate. Coaches and sport psychologists should encourage athletes to build awareness about how their cognitions and behaviours relate to others' cognitions and behaviours. Highlights • Team sport athletes (n = 108) participated via online surveys in a cross-sectional design. • Athlete perceptions of their teammates' self-compassion positively related to individual self-compassion. • Gender did not moderate the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental study examined the interaction between messages conveying different levels of descriptive norms and positive outcome expectations on university students’ engagement in moderate and vigorous physical activity over an exam period. Using a pre–post design, university students entering a final examination period (N = 74) were randomly assigned to one of four message conditions, receiving a message motivating them to exercise over the exam period. Messages included both a descriptive norm (how many others reported being active during a previous exam period; high vs. low) and a positive outcome expectation (those who exercise during exams report better grades; high vs. low). The results from an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline levels of daily physical activity, revealed a significant interaction. Post hoc analyses indicated that when the descriptive norm was high, those who received a high positive outcome expectation reported being more active during the exam period compared to those receiving the low positive outcome expectation. Results provide preliminary support for the idea that activity during an exam period can be positively influenced if individuals are presented with normative messages that (a) many others are being active during the exams and (b) many of those being active also are benefiting academically. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]