University of Michigan · School of Kinesiology

Ordinary behaviors,
extraordinary impact.

The Motivation Lab develops, evaluates, and refines evidence-based approaches to make health behavior change enjoyable and efficient — using psychological theory and everyday technology to reach people in the context of their daily lives.

Explore our research Meet the team
Fast and slow signals — the kind of everyday data our studies are built to capture Steps · Fluid intake · Sitting · Adherence · Cognitive function · Motivation
Our approach

We believe less can be more.

The Motivation Lab is a dynamic learning community founded on collaboration, competence, and creativity. We use psychological theories to understand how people adapt their thoughts, feelings, and actions across contexts — and the impact of those adaptations on health.

Theory

Understand adaptation

We study how thoughts, feelings, and actions shift across everyday contexts, and what that means for long-term health.

Technology

Reach people in daily life

Wearables and mobile technology let us intervene in the moments that matter — in the natural context of people's routines.

Precision

Refine what works

We develop and rigorously test interventions, then refine them so behavior change is enjoyable, efficient, and lasting.

Active trials

Current research

A sample of the behavioral intervention trials underway in the lab right now.

TRY AIM

Precision text messaging

Testing the efficacy of precision text messaging to increase physical activity in insufficiently active young adults.

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sipIT

Hydration & urolithiasis

Evaluating the sipIT intervention for increasing urine output in patients with kidney stones.

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ROYBAL

Adherence & cognition

The Roybal Center for Promoting Adherence to Behavior Change and Enhancing Cognitive Function.

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