Training Constructive Social Comparison: Effects on Exercise Motivation and Adherence

NCT07481318 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: TCSC2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 160
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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

Keywords

exercise adherence; social comparison; constructive social comparison

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Exercise adherence

  Exercise adherence will be measured using the Adolescent Exercise Habits Scale (AEHS), a 12-item validated instrument assessing exercise consistency, self-motivation for exercise, and the integration of physical activity into daily life. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Total scores are calculated as the mean of the items, with higher scores indicating stronger and more stable exercise habits and greater adherence to regular physical activity.

  Baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after the 8-week intervention (post-intervention), and 4 weeks after completion of the intervention (follow-up).

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Constructive interpretation of social comparison

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.

• Social comparison orientation

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.

Study Arms (2)

Experimental: Constructive Social Comparison Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this condition receive an eight-week intervention designed to train constructive interpretation of social comparison in the context of physical activity. The program includes weekly group sessions (60-75 minutes) led by a trained facilitator. Sessions include psychoeducation about social comparison processes, identification of maladaptive comparison patterns, cognitive reframing strategies, selection of realistic comparison targets, and translation of comparisons into concrete behavioral goals related to exercise. Participants also complete short between-session exercises including comparison monitoring and written reframing exercises. All participants are encouraged to engage in regular moderate physical activity during the program.

Behavioral: Constructive Social Comparison Training

Active Comparator: General Health Education

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the control condition receive an eight-week program consisting of weekly sessions of similar duration and structure to the intervention group. However, these sessions focus on general health education related to physical activity rather than social comparison processes. 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. Participants also follow the same general recommendations for engaging in regular moderate physical activity during the program.

Behavioral: General Health Education

Interventions

Constructive Social Comparison Training BEHAVIORAL

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

Experimental: Constructive Social Comparison Training

General Health Education BEHAVIORAL

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.

Active Comparator: General Health Education

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Report low or irregular engagement in physical activity
• Be able to attend weekly intervention sessions
• Provide informed consent to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Report medical conditions that contraindicate moderate physical activity
• Are currently participating in structured physical activity programs exceeding recommended levels
• Are unable to complete the study questionnaires

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ling Yang: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hunan City University

Jiaozuo, Henan, 454099, China

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Clinical Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 10, 2026
• First Posted: March 18, 2026
• Study Start: March 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 23, 2025
• Study Completion: September 23, 2025
• Last Updated: March 18, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)