Customization in mobile health apps: explaining effects on physicalactivity intentions by the need for autonomy

摘要

Given the widespread adoption and technical possibilities of mobile technology,mobile health apps could be potentially effective tools to intervene in people’sdaily routines and stimulate physical activity. Self-determination theory andthe motivational technology model both suggest that mobile technology canpromote health behaviour change by allowing users to customize their onlineexperience when using mobile health apps. However, we know very little about whyand for whom customization is most effective. Using a between-subjectsexperimental design, we tested the effects of customization in mobile healthapps among a convenience sample (  = 203). We assessed theeffects of customization on perceived active control over mobile health apps,autonomous motivation to use mobile health apps, and intention to engage inphysical activity, and tested the moderating role of need for autonomy.Structural equation modelling showed that customization in mobile health appsdoes not increase perceived active control, autonomous motivation, or theintention to engage in physical activity. However, an interaction effect betweencustomization and need for autonomy showed that customization in mobile healthapps leads to higher intentions to engage in physical activity for those with agreater need for autonomy, but not for those with a lesser need for autonomy.The implications for theory and practice are discussed.