Abstract The current study evaluated the long-term effectiveness
of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for
promoting exercise behavior in comparison with planning in
the form of implementation intentions
(forming situational
cues and action plans as to when, where, and how to incorporate
exercise). We expected both interventions to increase exercise
behavior (assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise
Questionnaire; Godin and Shephard 1985) from baseline
to 6-months post-intervention, but expected only ACT to also
increase exercise enjoyment (assessed using the Physical Activity
Enjoyment Scale; Kendzierski and DeCarlo 1991). A
total of 32 women, randomized to receive a single session of
either ACT training or instructions to form implementation
intentions for exercise activities, took part in this study. The
participants were contacted by email 6-months following the
intervention to determine the amount of self-reported exercise.
As expected, exercise amount increased in both groups. Contrary
to our expectations, both groups also increased in exercise
enjoyment. This study provides initial evidence that
exercising can be increased through an ACT intervention.
ACT and implementation intentions may both be effective
and brief interventions for promoting exercise behavior and
exercise-related enjoyment in low-active women. Future research
needs to establish the psychosocial and personality
factors that lead to the effectiveness of ACT and implementation
intentions