Which statement about implementation intentions is correct?

Which statement about implementation intentions is correct?

• A. They are generic term for setting goals without cue-linking.
• B. They are If–Then plans that link a cue to the action.
• C. They require medication to be effective.
• D. They are used only for diet changes.

Answer: (B)

Implementation intentions are specific If–Then plans that create a mental link between a situational cue and a chosen action. By naming a concrete cue (like a time, place, or triggering event) and pairing it with the exact behavior you intend to perform, you make the desired action more automatic when the cue occurs. This reduces the need for willpower in the moment and helps translate intention into behavior. For example, you might plan: If I pass the office kitchen at 3 p.m., then I take a 5-minute walk instead of grabbing a snack. The cue (seeing the kitchen at 3 p.m.) triggers the preplanned action (taking a walk), making it more likely you’ll follow through. So, this concept is best captured by the idea that implementation intentions are actionable If–Then plans that link a cue to the action. They aren’t simply generic goals, they don’t require medication, and they aren’t limited to diet—these plans can be applied to a wide range of behaviors.

Implementation intentions are specific If–Then plans that create a mental link between a situational cue and a chosen action. By naming a concrete cue (like a time, place, or triggering event) and pairing it with the exact behavior you intend to perform, you make the desired action more automatic when the cue occurs. This reduces the need for willpower in the moment and helps translate intention into behavior.

For example, you might plan: If I pass the office kitchen at 3 p.m., then I take a 5-minute walk instead of grabbing a snack. The cue (seeing the kitchen at 3 p.m.) triggers the preplanned action (taking a walk), making it more likely you’ll follow through.

So, this concept is best captured by the idea that implementation intentions are actionable If–Then plans that link a cue to the action. They aren’t simply generic goals, they don’t require medication, and they aren’t limited to diet—these plans can be applied to a wide range of behaviors.