By means of social comparison processes, when we see someone who is “like us” performing or mastering a health behavior, our self-efficacy beliefs can be enhanced.
In one study on physical activity after coronary arty bypass graft surgery, patients who saw former patients demonstrate leading active lives after having the same surgery had stronger self-efficacy and greater physical activity than those who did not. 1
DOs
Include a way for a user to watch one or more peer-like individuals successfully perform the target behaviorDON’Ts
Assume users know how to engage in a behavior or feel confident in their ability to engage in the behavior solely from written messages and content