Using Engagement-Based Strategies to Alter Perceptions of the Walking Environment

Abstract

Finding settings that are supportive of outdoor physical activity can be a challenge. Efforts to address this problem have primarily focused on altering the physical environment. Although this may be necessary, relying entirely on design-based solutions is problematic. One alternative involves manipulating how one interacts with the walking environment. To investigate this approach, 117 adults were randomly assigned to one of two treatments, namely, Standard Care (schedule setting) or Engagement (awareness plans) and asked to take at least three, 30-min outdoor walks each week for 2 weeks. Participants in both conditions reported significant increases in total time walking. However, only those in the Engagement condition became more satisfied with the walking setting. This effect was particularly strong for individuals who used awareness plans while walking with a partner. These findings suggest that encouraging more active engagement with the environment may make existing settings more acceptable for outdoor activity.