MedTrace Logo

Training Constructive Social Comparison: Effects on Exercise Motivation and Adherence

NCT07481318 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 160

Last updated 2026-03-18

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Regular physical activity is widely recognized as essential for physical and mental health, yet maintaining exercise routines remains a major behavioral challenge. Social comparison processes may play an important role in shaping motivation and persistence in exercise behaviors. While comparisons with others can sometimes motivate behavior change, they may also produce discouraging effects depending on how they are interpreted.

The present study examines the effectiveness of a structured intervention designed to train constructive social comparison in the context of physical activity. The intervention aims to help participants reinterpret comparisons with others in ways that promote motivation, realistic goal setting, and sustained engagement in exercise.

In a randomized controlled trial, young adults with low levels of physical activity are assigned either to an intervention group receiving training in constructive social comparison or to an active control group receiving general health education related to physical activity. Both groups participate in an eight-week program and follow the same basic exercise recommendations. Outcomes include exercise adherence, interpretation of social comparison, and social comparison orientation.

Conditions

  • Young Adult Behavioral Change

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Constructive Social Comparison Training

weekly group sessions (60-75 minutes) led by a trained facilitator.

BEHAVIORAL

General Health Education

Topics include the health benefits of physical activity, recommended levels of weekly exercise, sleep hygiene, hydration, and strategies for organizing daily routines to support healthy behavior.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Ling Yang

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
30 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-03-02
Primary Completion
2025-09-23
Completion
2025-09-23

Countries

  • China

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07481318 on ClinicalTrials.gov