The Role of Social Norms and Social Identity in Increasing Physical Activity Level.
Summary
The current study aimed to investigate the role of social norms and social identity in increasing physical activity level. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group or a control group. All participants (N = 17) completed a 6-week online program to increase their physical activity level. Participants in the experimental group were exposed to a positive social norm for physical activity level. Furthermore, within the experimental group social identity was induced. The results showed that (1) there was no significant relationship between a positive social norm and physical activity levels and that (2) social identity did not predict physical activity level. These findings are in contrast with our expectations and previous research. A number of methodological shortcomings may have contributed to this. Future research should address these shortcomings of the present study.