Examining the Effects of Gain-Framed Messages on the Activation and Elaboration of Possible Sport Selves in Middle-Aged Adults

Using an online cross-sectional randomized design, we explored whether messages emphasizing benefits of sport (sport gain-framed messages) would activate and elaborate hoped-for possible sport selves in 40- to 59-year-olds. One group viewed a video containing sport gain-framed messages, and a comparison group completed a sport and physical activity quiz. Results showed that the message group attended to a health and fitness message most frequently and demonstrated more frequent activation of possible selves than the quiz group. The message group's possible selves also contained more elaborate content related to delaying the effects of aging through sport and the social benefits of sport.