Action planning and coping planning for long-term lifestyle change: theory and assessment

Planning is regarded as highly valuable in the process of health behaviour change. It bridges the gapbetween behavioural intentions and health behaviour. To further develop this concept, a distinction ismade between action planning and coping planning. The latter refers to the mental simulation ofovercoming anticipated barriers to action. Action planning and coping planning for physical exercisewere examined in a longitudinal study with 352 cardiac patients. They were approached duringrehabilitation treatment and followed up at two and four months after discharge. Both planningcognitions were psychometrically identified, and it was found that they operated differently in thebehavioural change process. Action plans were more influential early in the rehabilitation process,whereas coping plans were more instrumental later on. Participants with higher levels of copingplanning after discharge were more likely to report higher levels of exercise four months afterdischarge. It is suggested to include both kinds of planning in interventions at different stages in healthbehaviour change.