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ERIC Number: EJ1202573
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Wearable Activity Tracker Use in Young Adults through the Lens of Social Cognitive Theory
Gowin, Mary; Wilkerson, Amanda; Maness, Sarah; Larson, Daniel J.; Crowson, H. Michael; Smith, Michael; Cheney, Marshall K.
American Journal of Health Education, v50 n1 p40-51 2019
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
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A