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The day preconstruction method: A novel method to strengthen future self-continuity.

Jonas Hj. Blom et al.

Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied2026https://doi.org/10.1037/xap0000574article
AJG 4ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This article presents the day preconstruction method, a writing exercise designed to strengthen individuals' connection to their future selves. Across four preregistered randomized controlled experiments (N = 1,624), we tested whether the day preconstruction method strengthens future self-continuity and influences real monetary choices and valued living. The day preconstruction method reliably increased future self-continuity in all studies, with positive affect and vividness as consistent predictors. No effects were observed on real monetary delay discounting. In Study 4, however, participants who imagined a distant-future day showed increases in valued living over 1 week, an effect partially mediated by future self-continuity. These findings suggest that simple, scalable text-based interventions can strengthen psychological connectedness to the future self and support value-aligned behavior, even when economic behavior remains unchanged. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/xap0000574

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@article{jonas2026,
  title        = {{The day preconstruction method: A novel method to strengthen future self-continuity.}},
  author       = {Jonas Hj. Blom et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/xap0000574},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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