Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions:

An intervention to increase exercise in people with mental health challenges.

Mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII) combines two simple and effective self-regulation strategies that have their roots in social psychology. When applied to exercise, MCII involves having individuals imagine positive outcomes associated with exercising more, the biggest obstacle to exercising more and achieving these positive outcomes, and practical solutions to the obstacle. Individuals create an “if-then” plan, which follows the structure “if (barrier), then (solution).” MCII has been effective at increasing exercise in the general population but has never been applied to those with mental health challenges as a stand-alone intervention.

PROJECT STATUS

AIMS

This study has two primary aims: 1) to evaluate the feasibility of MCII as a stand-alone intervention for people with mental health challenges, and 2) to evaluate its impact on exercise behavior.

METHODS

MCII will be delivered individually as a single-session virtual intervention, with assessments occurring prior to the intervention and at two follow-up periods (one week and eight weeks after the intervention). The recruitment target is 20 participants with mental health challenges who are currently receiving treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital or Boston Medical Center.

Currently, 14 of the targeted 20 participants have completed all study visits. Recruitment is continuing to reach the study goal, and data analysis and manuscript publication will begin afterwards. 

COE PROJECT STAFF

Photo of Dr. Cori Cather

Corinne Cather, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Kamila Bhiku, BS

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Julia London, BA

CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Additional Collaborators

Hannah Brown, MD; Julia Browne, PhD; Jada Gibbs, BA; Katherine Kritikos, MPH; Shayna Schor, BS; Hannah Skiest, BA; LIsia LeFeber, BA.

Funding

Funding for this project was provided by the MGH COE/Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.