British Journal of Health Psychology (2013), 18, 745–762
© 2012 The British Psychological Society
www.wileyonlinelibrary.com
Using the temporal self-regulation theory to
examine the influence of environmental cues on
maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Liesel Booker and Barbara Mullan*
School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Objectives. The aim of the current study is to explore the predictive utility of the
temporal self-regulation theory (TST) for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (Hall & Fong,
2007, Health Psychology Review, 1, 6). According to TST, the influence of intention, self-
regulation, and behavioural prepotency differs depending on the environmental context
in which the behaviour is performed. This study examined the influence of perceptions
about the supportiveness of the environmental context on TST-related factors.
Design. Temporal self-regulation theory was tested using a prospective design with a
1-week follow-up.
Methods. One hundred and fifty-two undergraduates were administered three
executive functioning tasks and an online questionnaire regarding their intentions to
maintain a healthy lifestyle, environmental responsiveness, and previous behaviour. One
week later, they completed a follow-up questionnaire.
Results. Participants who were supported by the environment were significantly more
likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle than those distracted by the environment. Behavioural
prepotency was significantly predictive of behaviour performance for ‘supported’
participants. Behavioural prepotency, planning, and response inhibition were significantly
predictive of ‘unsupported’ participants’ behaviour.
Conclusions. These findings provided preliminary support for the use of TST for the
prediction of healthy lifestyle behaviour. Importantly, this study provided support for the
contention that the influence of TST-related factors would vary according to the
perceived supportiveness of the environment. These findings suggest that environmental
responsiveness may be an important determinant to close the intention–behaviour gap
for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
*Correspondence should be addressed to Barbara Mullan, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
(email: barbara.mullan@sydney.edu.au).
DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12015
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