Research

Linking the Latest Science

I’ve stumbled upon unexpected and counter-intuitive findings that challenge the traditional ways others think about and approach changing health behaviors.

Listen to this brief two-minute interview about our research suggesting that “rebranding exercise” is important to consider.

• Think intrinsic motivation is the “holy grail” of sustainable behavior? Think again.
• Want to know evidence-based reasons why promoting exercise for weight loss or health undermines long-term adherence? Ask me.
• If humans make unconscious and irrational decisions, as research shows, which techniques will promote life-long adherence and weight management? Curious?

 

Interdisciplinary Training and Comprehensive Approach

• PhD in Psychology (focused on how socialization influences motivation, goals, and behavior).
• MPH in Health Behavior/Health Education (training in developing and evaluating interventions).
• MS in Kinesiology (focused on exercise physiology and the psychology of exercise).
• Most recently I completed a training program for translational researchers, funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Below are links to some of my published research that might be of interest.

Published Research

The published papers below showcase research suggesting that as a society we’ve misbranded health behaviors, especially exercise. Having health behaviors’ purpose be for medical and abstract reasons doesn’t make them deeply compelling to sustain. Body-shaping motives for change create pressure and non-optimal motivation.

• Physical Activity Advertisements that Feature Daily Well-being Improve Autonomy and Body Image in Overweight Women but Not Men – In press now – check back soon for link to article.

• Rebranding Exercise: Closing the gap between values and behavior – Read here.

• Goals Influence self-regulation and participation. Read here.

• Exercise Goals are shaped by culture and influence motivation. Read here.

• Body-shaping motives for exercise are associated with negative affect and participation. Read here.

The published papers below showcase my skills for developing Internet-based automated behavioral programs (disease management) and coaching protocols that can be scaled and commercialized.

• Internet intervention for managing a chronic disease (funded by the Department of Defense). It was later sold to a large pharmaceutical company as a value-added program to accompany a drug targeting this illness. Read here.

• Motivation-prioritization exercise adherence program (funded by the NIH and commercialized). (The method underlying this program has been adapted to promote adherence with other health-related behaviors. It can be used with e-delivery methods or train-the-trainer programs) Read here.