Foreseeing versus feeling

How Accuracy of Affective Forecasting Relates to Health Behavior Change

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7146798
AutoresMichelle Z Yang (0000-0002-4742-0753, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Mycah Conner (0000-0002-6229-8143, University of Leeds), Paschal Sheeran (0000-0001-7449-4590, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
Año2025
Volumen59
Número1
Fecha de publicación2025-01-20
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAnnals of Behavioral Medicine (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0883-6612 • E-ISSN: 1532-4796
EditorialOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/abm/kaaf084
PMID41177145
OpenAlexW4415848830
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas53

BACKGROUND: Whereas the importance of affective processes for health-related motivation and behavior is well established, little research has assessed either the accuracy or potential impact of accurate affective forecasts about health behaviors. PURPOSE: The present study addressed 3 research questions: (1) How accurate are affective forecasts about health behaviors? (2) Does forecasting accuracy influence health behavior performance, and (3) future motivation? METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study of 8 health behaviors (N = 857). Measures of the reasoned action approach variables, habit, and intention were taken at baseline. At the 3-month follow-up, participants reported behavioral performance, future motivation, and the affect experienced in relation to each behavior. Accuracy of affective forecasting was indexed by the difference between anticipated versus experienced affect. RESULTS: Participants generally underestimated how good performing health behaviors would make them feel. Overestimating and underestimating affect were both associated with lower behavioral performance and future motivation, whereas greater forecasting accuracy predicted increased behavior and future motivation, even controlling for reasoned action approach variables and habit. Importantly, forecasting accuracy interacted with anticipated affect, such that forecasts that were both positive and accurate were associated with increased behavior and motivation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that affective expectations and experiences both matter for motivation and action and underscores the importance of affective forecasting for health behavior change.

Action (physics) · Affect (linguistics) · Behavior change · Health behavior · Health psychology · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction