Using Self-Regulation Theory to Inform Technology-Based Behavior Change Interventions

Research geared toward technology use to promote health-related behaviors has been rapidly expanding, yet evidence regarding the effectiveness of the proposed interventions is inconclusive. The proposed study builds on self-regulation theory, persuasive system design model, and task-technology fit model to propose design guidelines essential for translating intentions to engage in a desired health-related behavior into actual behavior. The current study proposes that mobile applications will have stronger potential to support their users in executing users´ intended health-related behaviors if the applications are designed to (i) monitor and provide feedback to users about the discrepancy between their current and desired levels of behavior, (ii) encourage users to change their behavior, and facilitate the selection of strategies needed to execute the targeted changes, and (iii) ease the execution of selected strategies. The potential implications of the proposed guidelines for practice and research will be discussed.