Abstract
Physical inactivity increases the risk of many chronic diseases. Approximately 40% to 50% of college students are physically inactive. Research suggests that when students establish physical activity routines during their college careers, they have a greater chance of maintaining those specific behaviors over time. The current study sought to increase steps in sedentary college students by using a self-management intervention consisting of self-monitoring, goal setting, social media (Instagram), weekly meetings, and social feedback. Researchers used a multiple-baseline across-participants design with an embedded reversal to assess the effects of the packaged intervention. The intervention increased the physical activity levels of 3 of the 4 participants. The results of the current study suggest that multiple strategies such as the use of technological innovations, goal setting, and social media feedback should be considered and leveraged in programs aimed at increasing the level of physical activity among college students.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethical Approval
All of the procedures in this study, which involved human participants, were conducted according to ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. University institutional review board approval was obtained.
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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
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Implications for Practice
• Intervention packages using self-management and social media are a viable option to increase physical activity without the use of tangible reinforcers.
• The cost-effectiveness of this intervention may be applicable at a larger scale to decrease physical inactivity in college students.
• Individualized interventions may be used for the few who do not respond to the universal intervention.
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This project was funded by Georgia Southern University’s Graduate Student Organization. We thank Dr. Jennifer Wertalik and Dr. Erin Frick for providing us with their valuable feedback and assistance during data collection. Special thanks go to Dr. Joshua L. Williams and Ms. Sheryl Powell for allowing us to conduct the weekly meetings in the Psychology Department. Lastly, we extend deep thanks to Dr. Nancy McCarley for her thoughtful edits on previous versions of this article.
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Junaid, H., Bulla, A.J., Benjamin, M. et al. Using Self-Management and Social Media to Increase Steps in Sedentary College Students. Behav Analysis Practice 14, 734–744 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00445-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00445-8