Are immediate-oriented people unlikely to adopt a healthy lifestyle? The moderation effect of prevention focus

Abstract

When facing a “want-should” conflict between taking unhealthy food or activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, an immediate-oriented individual would choose immediate reward over long-term benefits and thus make a less healthy decision. The current study hypothesized that this disadvantage of immediate-oriented individuals could be compensated by prevention focus. Two studies examined this moderation effect of prevention focus on the relationship between immediate orientation and healthy lifestyle choices. Study 1 examined the moderation with a correlational study that measured three targeted variables and Study 2 replicated the findings by inducing situational regulatory focus. This study offers implications for promoting a healthier lifestyle in immediate-oriented individuals.