Wearable Activity Tracker Use in Young Adults Through the Lens of Social Cognitive Theory. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gowin, Mary; Wilkerson, Amanda; Maness, Sarah; Larson, Daniel J.; Crowson, H. Michael; Smith, Michael; Cheney, Marshall K.
• Is Part Of: American journal of health education. Volume 50:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; School hygiene -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; 371
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2018.1548314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-5037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Young adults are adopting wearables ahead of research.Purpose : The purpose of this study was to explore the use of trackers through Social Cognitive Theory (SCT).Methods : SCT-guided individual interviews were conducted with young adults ( n = 57). Typical case sampling was used to recruit college students ( n = 35) and straight-to-work (STW) young adults ( n = 22) for in-person/online interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo.Results : There were few differences between the two groups. Most reported little knowledge of the benefits/risks associated with their health behavior (eg, physical activity) but high expectations of how devices would assist them in developing/maintaining behavior. Self-regulatory aspects were seen as benefits. Many reported not setting goals other than those set by their device. Most reported increased self-efficacy and viewed their device as positive, nonjudgmental social support.Discussion : Young adult device use can be health directed or health related. Utilizing devices and SCT-based education may increase young adults' knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-regulation while managing expectations.Translation to Health Education Practice : Health Educators should focus on increasing health knowledge, managing expectations, and setting goals. Building on the increased self-efficacy and social support that young adults reported as part of their wearable activity tracker use could provide a solid foundation for Health Education efforts. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI)http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars