WAT am I? Exploring the psychological characteristics of WAT users

Abstract

The popularity of wearable activity trackers (WATs) is undeniable and still increasing. Using a WAT as a source of motivation to engage in exercise is often the primary reason for their purchase. Yet, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is mixed. Therefore, it is important to explore the characteristics of WAT users to better understand who may benefit the most from their use. The aim of the current study was to explore the psychological characteristics associated with engagement with WATs in a sample of 216 current WAT users. WAT engagement was assessed in relation to exercise engagement, motives for exercise engagement, gains from exercise, exercise identity and moral identity. The results showed that WAT engagement was not associated with increased exercise engagement. In addition, WAT engagement was associated with extrinsic forms of exercise behaviour regulation. However, WAT engagement was not associated with exercise identity. Interestingly, WAT engagement was associated with lower moral integrity indicating that some may engage with a WAT to project the image of being an exerciser, without the need to engage in exercise behaviours, which is reminiscent of Moral Licencing. In sum, WATs may be effective in promoting exercise engagement, but only for those who are driven by extrinsic factors. Further, Moral Licensing may also play an important role in determining the efficacy of WATs. The current findings suggest that simply possessing or engaging with a WAT alone is insufficient to increase exercise engagement and therefore, further research is required to understand this complex relationship.