Another Step towards the Understanding of Self-Tracking: A Research Model and Pilot Test

Regular physical activity prevents the development of numerous diseases. Despite this knowledge, approximately 80% of the world's adolescent population leads a sedentary lifestyle. Insurances are trying to facilitate physical activity through supporting the use of self-tracking applications. Although the usefulness of self-tracking is widely presumed, only a few studies investigate the influence of self-tracking on behavior and those few studies have published contradictory results. To provide an explanation for the different reactions, we propose a research model and measurements based on the cognitive dissonance theory. The research model proposes that self-tracking leads to a higher awareness of two inconsistent cognitions. This awareness induces cognitive dissonance. Since cognitive dissonance is experienced as a psychological tension, people try to reduce it by changing their behavior, finding new information or ignoring the situation. We tested our measurements with a pilot test and found good first indicators for construct validity.