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Daily self-nudging towards physical activity: implications for vigour, creativity, and prosocial work behavior

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study integrates nudging and proactivity theories to investigate how individuals can nudge themselves to be more physically active. We test the daily effects of self-nudging on vigour and use the dual pathway to creativity model to predict indirect effects on two non-targeted outcomes: creativity and prosocial behaviour. One hundred eighty-two (NL2 = 182) employees filled out a short survey for five consecutive days (NL1 = 672). Results of multilevel structural equation modelling provide evidence for the hypothesized model. Daily self-nudging towards physical activity was positively related to (a) creativity and (b) prosocial behaviour through vigour (a combination of physical strength and cognitive liveliness) – after controlling for previous-day levels of the mediator and outcomes. Self-nudging also showed direct effects on the two non-targeted outcomes. These findings offer support for nudging theory and the dual pathway to creativity model. We discuss the theoretical implications and three practical applications.

Source: European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology

DOI: 10.1080/1359432x.2025.2566805

Authors: Arnold B. Bakker, Zselyke Pap, Delia Virga

Institutions: University of Vaasa, Erasmus University Rotterdam, West University of Timişoara

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral Health and Interventions

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4414765425

FWCI: 1.617

Cites: 96

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10