Reference: Oscarsson, M., Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., & Rozental, A. (2020). A large-scale experiment on New Year's resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PloS One, 15(12), e0234097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234097 Have you made your 2025 New Year’s resolutions yet? Swedish Psychologists studied resolutions to see how to improve success rates. They recruited 1,000 adults from social media and news platforms, dividing them into three groups: Group 1. Minimum contact: received brief science-based setting goals suggestions, with follow- up every 6 months. Group 2. Some support: same info as Group 1, monthly email suggestions plus participants identified a friend to give social support to help them toward their goal. Group 3. Extensive support: had the same as Group 2, plus encouraged to formulate specific, measurable, realistic, and time-framed goals plus monthly emails with tips on challenges, motivation, and mindset. Results? Many resolutions were about physical health, weight loss, and eating habits. After one year, 55% said they were still following their resolutions. Those with goals to increase behaviors (e.g. running, kind acts) were 59% successful compared to those 47% trying to stop doing behaviors (e.g. stop eating high calorie foods). Group 2 with social support but less suggestions in emails had the highest success rate. Make a specific New Year’s resolution to increase a positive behavior. Get a friend’s support and make specific steps to help you reach your goal!

Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.