Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
8-13-2022
Abstract
Although people have intentions to change their behavior, many do not take any action, and this discrepancy is called the intention-behavior gap. Studies estimate the gap is as high as 50%, a figure of some significance in health behavior change. This paper explores the intention-behavior gap in the context of social prescribing in the UK. It looks at the current problems of measurement and evaluation within social prescribing and the potential impact of the intention-behavior gap. The paper also considers the current research addressing the gap and proposes an alternative solution based on a positive psychology framework and positive psychology interventions. Research for these proposals is drawn from the field of motivation science, and the positive psychology models and concepts of self-determination theory, mindfulness, and positive emotions.
Keywords
social prescribing, intention-behavior gap, motivation, self-determination theory, positive emotions, mindfulness, mental contrasting, implementation intentions, self-control
Topic
Well-Being/Flourishing, Health/Wellness, Positive Emotions
Format
Literature review
Included in
Behavioral Disciplines and Activities Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Community Health Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Public Health Commons
Date Posted: 29 August 2022