Research Note
Implementation Intention Evidence Record
An implementation intention links a recognizable situation to a specific response in an if-then form. It helps translate an existing goal into action by deciding in advan
In this article
Implementation Intention Evidence Record
Definition
An implementation intention links a recognizable situation to a specific response in an if-then form. It helps translate an existing goal into action by deciding in advance when, where, and how to respond.
Evidence
Gollwitzer and Sheeran's 2006 meta-analysis synthesized implementation-intention research across goal domains. The U.S. National Cancer Institute's implementation-intention overview describes the method as linking a situational cue with a response that serves an existing goal.
A 2021 meta-analysis of mental contrasting with implementation intentions reported a small-to-medium average effect with meaningful variation by intervention style and study. This does not make any if-then sentence effective.
Plan fields
| Field | Test |
|---|---|
| Goal | Is it chosen, active, and specific enough to guide a response |
| Cue | Can the person recognize the situation without constant interpretation |
| Action | Is the response observable, feasible, safe, and within control |
| Context | Does the plan fit the actual time, place, tools, access, and obligations |
| Conflict | What happens if another duty or safety condition takes priority |
| Recovery | What is the next cue if the first opportunity is missed |
| Evidence | What will show that the cue was noticed and the response was attempted |
| Review | When will the plan be revised, replaced, or ended |
Boundary
Implementation intentions cannot create time, money, skill, permission, health, safety, or accessible infrastructure. A plan that repeatedly fails may have a poor cue or action, or the stated problem may be a constraint rather than an intention gap.
Avoid controlling language that removes autonomy. The if-then plan should support a self-endorsed or legitimately required goal, not create surveillance, punishment, coercion, or pressure to ignore a changing condition.
Sources
Follow the evidence.
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