The resolution solution: longitudinal examination of New Year's change attempts.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective longitudinal cohort study tracking self-change attempts without an external control group.
PubMed 2980864 · doi:10.1016/s0899-3289(88)80016-6
What was done
A prospective longitudinal study tracked 200 individuals attempting New Year's self-change resolutions over a 2-year follow-up period to evaluate coping mechanisms and the course of lapses and relapses.
What was found
Resolution maintenance was 77% at 1 week and fell to 19% at 2 years. Successful resolvers reported significantly greater use of stimulus control, reinforcement, and willpower over the 2-year period compared to unsuccessful resolvers. Social support and interpersonal strategies did not predict success prior to 6 months but became predictive after 6 months. Retrospectively, participants rated counterconditioning and fading as the most effective coping strategies, whereas lack of willpower and failure of stimulus control were reported as primary barriers. Among successful resolvers, 53% experienced at least one slip (average of 14 slips over 2 years), primarily triggered by lack of personal control, excessive stress, and negative emotion.
Why it matters
It establishes long-term trajectories for self-directed behavioral change, showing that long-term success is uncommon and that temporary lapses are standard even among those who maintain change.
Limits
The study relies on self-reported outcomes and retrospective strategy assessments. Resolution types, participant demographics, and specific statistical effect sizes are not detailed in the abstract, and there was no control or comparison group.
Cited by
- contradicts 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February.