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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Protocol

Mental contrasting as a behaviour change technique: a systematic review protocol paper of effects, mediators and moderators on health

Authors: Ainslea Cross, David Sheffield

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Mental contrasting is a self-regulation strategy that is required for strong goal commitment. In mental contrasting, individuals firstly imagine a desired future or health goal that contrasted with the reality proceeding the goal state, which after reflection is viewed as an obstacle (Oettingen et al. J Pers Soc Psychol 80:736–753, 2001). Mentally contrasting a positive future with reality enables individuals to translate positive attitudes and high efficacy into strong goal commitment.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature is proposed to explore the efficacy of mental contrasting as a behaviour change technique (Michie et al., Ann Behav Med 46: 81-95, 2013) for health. The review also aims to identify the effects of mental contrasting on health-related behaviour, as well as identifying mediator and moderator variables.

Discussion

This will be the first systematic review of mental contrasting as a health behaviour change technique. With sufficient studies, a meta-analysis will be conducted with sensitivity and sub group analyses. If meta-analysis is not appropriate, a narrative synthesis of the reviewed studies will be conducted.

Systematic review registration

Review protocol registered on PROSPERO reference CRD42016034202.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Mental contrasting as a behaviour change technique: a systematic review protocol paper of effects, mediators and moderators on health
Authors
Ainslea Cross
David Sheffield
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0382-6

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