Enhancing Perceived Health Competence: The Impact of Persuasive Social Support Features in Health and Fitness Apps
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction
Abstract
This study investigates how users’ perception of persuasive social support features influences per ceptions of their health competence in health and fitness apps. Within the support of existing the ories/frameworks on social support, the study develops a research model and hypotheses.
Quantitative data was collected from 469 health and fitness app users and analyzed using partial
least squares structural equation modelling. The results demonstrates that providing users with a
means to share their experiences out of the desire to boost their ego and gain social recognition
as well as a means to learn new behaviors by observing and imitating other’s behaviors within
the app increases their confidence in their capabilities to perform and maintain positive health
and fitness behaviors and outcomes using the app. The findings suggest that users’ perception of
their health competence can be significantly improved when social support features are incorpo rated into health and fitness apps
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Persuasive systems, perceived competence, health and fitness