The effect of implementation intention on exercise frequency of postmenopausal women: Self-related vs. others-related goals

In the light of the literature, many psychological and physiological positive effects of physical activity are known. At the same time, considering the negative symptoms experienced by women in the postmenopausal period, it is more important for women in this period to include physical activity in their lives. Since implementation intention is an effective method in directing individuals to various health behaviors, in this thesis, the effect of implementation intention on increasing the frequency of physical activity in postmenopausal women was examined. By applying implementation intention manipulation in two different ways (self vs. others related), it was aimed to examine the effect of this difference on the frequency of physical activity. The sample of the study consists of 75 women who are in the post-menopausal period. In the study, there were 3 different conditions (experimental (self vs. others) and control), the participants were randomly assigned to these groups. In this study, which lasted 5 weeks in total, there were once pre-measurement and twice post-manipulation measurements (two weeks intervals). Physical activity, which is the dependent variable of the study, was measured by the participants' weekly step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Implementation intention manipulation, which is the independent variable, was applied using the Volitional Help Sheet specific to physical activity. According to the results, implementation intention manipulation increases the frequency of physical activity who have pre-existing exercise habits in postmenopausal women. This result contributes to the literature on implementation intention, both with the sample used and with the fact that implementation intention is effective only in individuals who have exercise habits beforehand. The findings of the study were discussed in the light of the literature.