Implicating Self-Control in the Mechanism by which Implementation Intentions Reduce Stress-Induced Unhealthy Eating: a Comment on O’Connor et al.

Abstract

O'Connor and colleagues (1) present an innovative evaluation of a theory-based tool to reduce stress-induced unhealthy eating. Their research is exemplary of the progress being made in research adopting theories of planning, particularly, action-control theory (2, 3), and how behavior modification strategies based on this model (e.g., planning, implementation intentions) can be applied to address the intention-behavior “gap” frequently cited in models of social cognition (4–7) and attain better health outcomes (8, 9). I would like to commend their use of progressive methods of measurement and analysis. The use of daily diary methods as a means to evaluate caloric consumption represents a step change toward more accurate and comprehensive assessments of eating behavior (10). The adoption of multi-level analysis is also an important application in light of the recent focus on behavior change above mere behavioral prediction in the behavioral medicine literature (11–14). The inclusion of a moderator analysis to examine the effectiveness of the intervention among individuals with varying levels of motivation is also important given the claims that implementation intentions are maximally effective when individuals have formed strong intentions (3, 8, 15–18). Overall, my view is that the article makes substantial theoretical, measurement, and practical innovations.

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