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Mental imagery as a “motivational amplifier” to promote activities

DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2019.02.002
Renner, F., Murphy, F. C., Ji, J. L., Manly, T., & Holmes, E. A. (2019). Mental imagery as a “motivational amplifier” to promote activities. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 114, 51–59. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2019.02.002

Abstract

Facilitating engagement in rewarding activities is a key treatment target in depression. Mental imagery can increase engagement in planned behaviours, potentially due to its special role in representing emotionally salient experiences. The present study tested the hypothesis that mental imagery promotes motivation and engagement when planning pleasant and rewarding activities. Participants were recruited from a community volunteer panel (N = 72). They self-nominated six activities to complete over the following week, and were randomized to either: a) a single-session Motivational Imagery condition (N = 24); b) an Activity Reminder control condition (N = 24); or c) a No-Reminder control condition (N = 24). As predicted, relative to control groups, the Motivational Imagery group reported higher levels of motivation, anticipated pleasure, and anticipated reward for the planned activities. The Motivational Imagery group also completed significantly more activities than the Activity Reminder group, but not more than the No-Reminder group. Relevance of results to behavioural activation approaches for depression are discussed.

Authors

  • Fritz Renner1
  • Fionnuala C. Murphy1
  • Julie L. Ji1
  • Tom Manly1
  • Emily A. Holmes4

Overview/Introduction

This study explores how mental imagery can boost motivation and engagement in activities, particularly for individuals experiencing depression. Mental imagery involves vividly imagining oneself performing an activity, which may enhance motivation and engagement by making the activity feel more emotionally rewarding. The research aimed to determine if using mental imagery could encourage people to complete more enjoyable and routine activities.

Methodology

  • Participants: 72 individuals from a community volunteer panel, aged 18-65, were recruited.
  • Design: Participants were divided into three groups:
  • Motivational Imagery Group: Engaged in mental imagery exercises.
  • Activity Reminder Group: Received reminders about their planned activities.
  • No-Reminder Group: Did not receive any reminders or imagery instructions.
  • Procedure: Each participant selected six activities (three enjoyable, three routine) to complete over a week. They rated their motivation, anticipated pleasure, and reward for these activities before and after the intervention.

Key Findings

  • Participants in the Motivational Imagery Group reported higher motivation, anticipated pleasure, and reward for their activities compared to the control groups.
  • This group also completed more activities than the Activity Reminder Group, but not significantly more than the No-Reminder Group.
  • The vividness of mental imagery was positively correlated with anticipated rewards, suggesting that more vivid imagery led to higher motivation.

Implications

  • Mental Imagery as a Tool: The findings suggest that mental imagery can serve as a motivational amplifier, potentially aiding in behavioural activation strategies for depression.
  • Practical Applications: Mental imagery could be used in therapeutic settings to help individuals engage in rewarding activities, improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

Limitations

  • Sample: The study involved a non-clinical sample, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to clinical populations.
  • Activity Types: The study included a broad range of activities, so further research is needed to explore specific activities, such as physical exercise for sedentary individuals.
  • Self-Report Measures: The reliance on self-report scales may introduce bias; future studies should incorporate objective measures of motivation and engagement.
In summary, this study provides evidence that mental imagery can enhance motivation and engagement in planned activities, offering a promising avenue for interventions aimed at improving mental health and promoting positive behaviour change.