Using Self-Management and Social Media to Increase Steps in Sedentary College Students
Posting daily steps on Instagram plus weekly coach feedback got most sedentary college students walking more.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Junaid et al. (2021) asked four college students who sat most of the day to post daily step counts on Instagram.
Each student set a step goal, got a weekly meeting with a coach, and earned social likes and comments.
The team tracked steps across several weeks using a multiple-baseline design to see if the package worked.
What they found
Three of the four students quickly walked more, often beating their own goals.
When the plan stopped, steps drifted back, showing the package drove the change.
The fourth student barely budged, hinting some may need extra tweaks.
How this fits with other research
Desrochers et al. (2017) ran a similar self-management package but aimed at saving electricity instead of steps.
Both studies show college students will track, set goals, and respond to feedback when the target is easy to see.
Polaha et al. (2004) also saw behavior dip the moment swimmers stopped counting strokes, echoing the step drop when Instagram posts ended.
Together the trio says self-monitoring plus feedback works, but you have to keep the system turned on.
Why it matters
You can copy this low-cost combo tomorrow: have clients pick a daily health number, post it online or on paper, and give quick weekly feedback.
The Instagram likes acted as free reinforcement, so any social platform or group chat can do the same job.
Watch for non-responders and be ready to add prompts or rewards if steps stay flat after two weeks.
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Have your client set a step goal, share a daily screenshot in a group chat, and give emoji praise every Friday.
02At a glance
03Original 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.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2021 · doi:10.1007/s40617-020-00445-8