Implementation intentions for buying, carrying, discussing and using condoms: the role of the quality of plans

Forming implementation intentions (i.e. action plans that specify when, where and how a person will act) could be effective in promoting condom use on a large scale. However, the technique implies that people are able to form high quality implementation plans that are likely to induce behaviour change. Young single females, aged 16-30 years old, were asked to form either an implementation intention for the target behaviour using condoms (n = 159) or preparatory implementation intentions for buying, carrying, discussing and using condoms (n = 146). Condom preparations were assessed at follow-up 2 months later. The implementation intentions that participants formed were rated on quality. In general, it appeared hard for young women to form high quality general implementation intentions for the target behaviour condom use. Implementation intentions for the preparatory behaviours were of better quality than general implementation intentions. Females who formed strong implementation intentions in the preparatory behaviours condition were more committed to these plans and perceived them as more useful. Plan commitment and perceived usefulness predicted condom preparations at follow-up. We conclude that it is important to ask individuals to form implementation intentions for the preparatory behaviours rather than for the target behaviour alone.