Persuading Students to Exercise: What Is the Best Way to Frame Messages for Normal-Weight Versus Overweight/Obese University Students?

Abstract

Objective: The authors investigated the effect of gain-framed (GF) compared with loss-framed (LF) messages on exercise behaviors in normal weight and among overweight/class I obese. The authors also examined which groups would have significantly improved exercise behaviors over time. Participants: Sixty-four undergraduates were randomized to the 4 groups by message type and weight category from September 2008 to December 2011. Methods: After screening, students received messages and attended an exercise instruction session. Results: There were no significant differences between GF or LF message groups among normal weight or overweight/obese on the primary outcomes at posttest. After receiving the GF messages, the overweight/obese group was the only group to have a significant increase on all 3 primary outcomes: fitness center attendance (p = .038), combined moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity (p = .005), and strength training (p = .037). Conclusions: The exercise behaviors of undergraduate students who are overweight or obese can benefit from GF messages.

Keywords:

• body mass index
• college students
• exercise
• message framing

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Rachelle Pascua for developing the protocol for the exercise instruction session; providing the Strength Training Recording Sheet; training and selecting assistants to conduct the exercise instruction sessions; and assisting with scheduling. We appreciate the following individuals for conducting the exercise instruction sessions and/or assisting with scheduling: Ronald Benbow, Leah Dupuie, Jessica Frazee, Krista Hanna, Dennis Martin, Angela Mikus, Andrew Ramsey, Laine Schmid, and Derek Sulpizio. We thank the following individuals who assisted with recruitment, screening, conducting study sessions, entering data, and checking data: Brittany Broughman, Jessica Davis, Danielle Deveson, Gerta Dume, Vanity Ellis, William Fuss, Angela Hasman, Laura Hallett, Carolyn O’Brien, Emily Olthof, Melanie Phillips, Klajdi Sina, Erica Schlau, Jenna Steiner, and Alyssa Vela. We are grateful to all of the Department of Psychology faculty members who allowed us to recruit in their courses each semester.