The initial study involved two focus groups reviewing the Inner Development Goals (IDG) framework and developing a measure (IDG-A), adding a sixth domain of 'organizational belonging.' The second study tested this among four organizations and found significant correlations between items, domains, and overall scores. The third study built upon these findings to develop a Meaning, Awareness, Purpose (MAP) model to motivate climate change action. This was compared to Carbon Literacy Training (CLT) in a study involving employees from two global organizations, where participants either underwent CLT or MAP training. Despite similar baseline IDG-A scores, MAP outperformed CLT, significantly improved scores, and reported better team cohesion and well-being.

Jonathan Rhodes, Jaime Blakeley-Glover, Andrew Miller, Alan Taylor, Isabelle Rochmankowski completed this study (2023).

Motor imagery when coupled with motivational and cognitive factors has been shown to enhance multiple aspects of sports performance. This paper reviews existing imagery approaches, and proposes a method based on applied applications, intended to increase short and long-term motivation. Behavioural change is achieved by primarily using motivational interviewing (MI), then functional imagery training (FIT), which has been adapted into the applied imagery for motivation (AIM) model.

Rhodes, J., & May, J. (2022). Applied imagery for motivation: a person-centered model. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20(6), 1556-1575.

Background: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a cardiac condition impacting circulation and it is life-changing for many patients. Purpose: This feasibility study evaluates the potential for improving Quality of Life (QOL) in POTS patients with cognitive and motivational imagery combined with exercise.

Nedza, K., Rhodes, J., Turner, C., Crocker, D., & May, J. (2021). Examining the Effects of Exercise and Functional Imagery Training on Quality of Life in POTS: Feasibility study: Oral Presentation B5. 5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3).

This study evaluates ultra-marathon runners’ use of goal-setting, self-talk, and imagery as strategies to help them through the challenge of long-distance running.

Rhodes, J., Nedza, K., May, J., Jenkins, T., & Stone, T. (2021). From couch to ultra marathon: using functional imagery training to enhance motivation. Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 16(1).

Background: Patients’ adherence to physical therapy can be as low as 50% (Silva, 2010); with many reasons why patients decide to drop out. Imagery use has been linked with rehabilitation adherence during the therapy process (Wesch et al, 2012). Purpose: This study aims to test whether Functional Imagery Training (a novel method combining elements of motivational interviewing with goal-oriented imagery) can improve adherence to the treatment, patients’ confidence of recovery and completion of the exercise plan, in comparison to treatment-as-usual (control).

Nedza, K., & May, J. (2021). The impact of Functional Imagery Training on adherence to treatment, completion of rehabilitation exercise plan and confidence in recovery in sports therapy patients: pilot study: Oral Presentation B5. 6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3).

Functional imagery training (FIT) extends multisensory imagery training by involving athletes with goal setting and appraisal. The authors measured the effect of FIT on 24 professional soccer players’ grit, a personality trait associated with perseverance for a long-term goal.

Rhodes, J., May, J., Andrade, J., & Kavanagh, D. (2018). Enhancing grit through functional imagery training in professional soccer. The Sport Psychologist, 32(3), 220-225.

Functional Imagery Training (FIT) is a new brief motivational intervention based on the Elaborated Intrusion theory of desire. FIT trains the habitual use of personalized, affective, goal-directed mental imagery to plan behaviors, anticipate obstacles, and mentally try out solutions from previous successes.

Solbrig, L., Whalley, B., Kavanagh, D. J., May, J., Parkin, T., Jones, R., & Andrade, J. (2018). Functional imagery training versus motivational interviewing for weight loss: a randomised controlled trial of brief individual interventions for overweight and obesity. International Journal of Obesity, 43(4), 883-894.