BMC Psychol December 2018 PMID 30572936

Exploratory study of the impact of perceived reward on habit formation.

Gaby Judah, Benjamin Gardner, Michael G Kenward, Bianca DeStavola, Robert Aunger

Mentions

20
Peak: 2 in Feb 2021
across 4 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

32,715
potential audience

Total likes

248

Video views

7,091

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • YouTube8 videos
  • News6 articles
  • X / Twitter5 posts
  • Instagram1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a balanced appreciation of the study’s findings, with posts mentioning how behaviors become habits more easily when repeated in similar contexts, and sharing personal strategies like combining exercise with hobbies to boost motivation. The tone is collaborative and reflective, using phrases like 'more easily' and 'make it enjoyable,' which emphasize the practical implications of the research.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions agree that the study highlights the importance of repetition and context in forming habits, with some emphasizing that reinforcement and enjoyment can facilitate behavior change.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate interest, with some participants engaged through sharing personal tips or reflections on habit formation and motivation.

EngagementModerate engagement

There is a fair level of engagement, including references to methods (e.g., using enjoyable activities to promote habits) and recognition of the research's relevance to everyday behavior.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest the article has a noticeable influence on readers' understanding of behavioral change and motivation, especially regarding reinforcement and reward systems.

Abstract in brief

  • The study explored how perceived reward, including pleasure, utility, benefits, and intrinsic motivation, influences how habits like flossing and taking vitamin C develop over time, with a focus on whether reward accelerates habit formation through repeated behavior.
  • It found that intrinsic motivation and pleasure enhanced the link between repeated actions and habit strength, whereas perceived utility and benefits did not significantly predict behavior or interact with repetition.
  • The results suggest that motivation and pleasure play a key role in habit formation, though overall the relationship between repetition and habit was complex, with some unexpected findings like strong intentions weakening the habit development process.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Felipe Isidro
@felipeisidro13 · X

Y es que las conductas se convierten en hábitos más fácilmente cuando se realizan repetidamente en un tiempo breve y en un contexto similar. https://t.co/teWSKhi1BP https://t.co/Dk0X9PT4fm Cuida tu cuerpo antes que tu cuerpo te impida cuidarte

Feb 2, 2021 · 48 likes · 5 shares · 16,794 followers View post →
The Quirky Brain Coach PhD, PGCap, PPDip, L5 Coach
@your_nd_coach · X

@NDPoet @mydyspraxia And for my final infodump https://t.co/31Ls5koscZ pick something you enjoy or find a way to make it enjoyable (I hate exercising so I paid with true crime podcasts. Now I walk more)

Dec 19, 2020 · 1 like · 4,655 followers View post →
UCL Discovery
@ucl_discovery · X

Open Access UCL Research: Exploratory study of the impact of perceived reward on habit formation https://t.co/20b8Tsncrr

Apr 2, 2019 · 1 like · 2,507 followers View post →
Europe PMC articles
@EuropePMC · X

New from #The_MRC https://t.co/Uj19t79wXh Exploratory study of the impact of perceived reward on habit formation

Jan 2, 2019 · 1,545 followers View post →

All mentions

Diego Nicolás Solís
@Diegonicolasso6 · X

RT @felipeisidro13: Y es que las conductas se convierten en hábitos más fácilmente cuando se realizan repetidamente en un tiempo breve y en…

Feb 2, 2021 · 5 shares · 35 followers View post →
Felipe Isidro
@felipeisidro13 · X

Y es que las conductas se convierten en hábitos más fácilmente cuando se realizan repetidamente en un tiempo breve y en un contexto similar. https://t.co/teWSKhi1BP https://t.co/Dk0X9PT4fm Cuida tu cuerpo antes que tu cuerpo te impida cuidarte

Feb 2, 2021 · 48 likes · 5 shares · 16,794 followers View post →
The Quirky Brain Coach PhD, PGCap, PPDip, L5 Coach
@your_nd_coach · X

@NDPoet @mydyspraxia And for my final infodump https://t.co/31Ls5koscZ pick something you enjoy or find a way to make it enjoyable (I hate exercising so I paid with true crime podcasts. Now I walk more)

Dec 19, 2020 · 1 like · 4,655 followers View post →
UCL Discovery
@ucl_discovery · X

Open Access UCL Research: Exploratory study of the impact of perceived reward on habit formation https://t.co/20b8Tsncrr

Apr 2, 2019 · 1 like · 2,507 followers View post →
Europe PMC articles
@EuropePMC · X

New from #The_MRC https://t.co/Uj19t79wXh Exploratory study of the impact of perceived reward on habit formation

Jan 2, 2019 · 1,545 followers View post →
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