The effects of target behavior choice and self-management skills training on compliance with behavioral self-monitoring

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two potential methods for increasing participant compliance with behavioral self-monitoring (BSM). Design. A randomized 2 × 2 factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of target behavior choice (choice vs. assigned) and self-management skills training (training vs. notraining) on BSM compliance. In the choice manipulation, participants either chose or were assigned one of seven types of healthful or safe behaviors to self-monitor. In the training manipulation, participants either completed computer-based self-management skills training or received no training. Participants were then asked to complete daily BSM for 2 weeks. Setting. The study was conducted at a university and teaching hospital. Subjects. Participants (N = 60) were predominantly university and hospital employees. Measures. The primary dependent measure was percent compliance with BSM. Analysis. A factorial analysis of variance of compliance scores was performed. Results. Mean compliance with prescribed BSM was 52.6% (SD = 31.8). The main effect for choice was significant, with choice participants showing 18% higher BSM compliance than those in no-choice conditions (d = .59; p < .05). The effects of self-management skills training and the interaction term were both nonsignificant. Conclusion. Although self-management skills training did not appear to affect BSM compliance, offering individuals a choice in target behavior substantially increased both BSM compliance and self-reported behavior change.