UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL INCENTIVES IN MOTIVATING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

My dissertation comprises three studies that collectively understand the role of financial incentives in motivating physical activity (PA) using insights drawn from behavioral economics. Study 1 showcases a literature review that sought to elucidate the effects of financial incentives for promoting PA under free-living conditions. Study 2 involves a randomized feasibility trial that examines the effectiveness of tournament-style financial incentives in promoting stair use. Study 3 is based on results from an online survey that sought to measure respondents’ stated willingness to participate in a hypothetical randomized controlled trial (RCT) when offered financial incentives. The thesis highlights several points including the need for larger, methodologically rigorous RCTs that focus on testing the long-term effects of financial incentives on free-living PA, how tournament-style financial incentives are not the best choice to motivate stair use, and how participants may be more willing to participate in a PA trial with individual-based financial incentives.