The impact of smartwatch use on motivation, self-regulation, health and performance: a 12-month longitudinal investigation

Steel, R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5633-3259 and Mitra, S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7620-4809, 2024. The impact of smartwatch use on motivation, self-regulation, health and performance: a 12-month longitudinal investigation. In: FEPSAC Congress 2024, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, 15-19 July 2024.

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Abstract

Objectives: Smartwatch devices provide the opportunity for individuals to monitor and improve their health-related behaviour. A large volume of research has demonstrated positive increases in health-related metrics as a consequence of smartwatch use (e.g., Brickwood, Watson, O’Brien & Williams, 2019). However, a limitation of the existing literature is that most studies are conducted over relatively short time frames (Steel, 2023). Therefore, little is known about the long-term effects of smartwatch use on health behaviour change or the implications for real-world performance. Furthermore, smartwatches are ostensibly devices that improve motivation and self-regulation. However, very few studies have investigated these processes in relation to smartwatch use (e.g., Kerner & Goodyear, 2017). The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal associations between smartwatch use and physical/mental health, student attainment, and how motivation and self-regulation underpin these processes.

Methods: Sixty-five student participants (Mean age = 20.92) based in the United Kingdom were provided with a smartwatch for a period of twelve months. Questionnaires measuring well-being, sleep, exercise motivation and self-regulation were administered monthly. In addition, body composition was measured at baseline and at the conclusion of the study. Data collected from the smartwatches included stress, physical activity, and sleep.

Results: Preliminary analysis of the questionnaire data revealed smartwatch use was associated with improved sleep patterns; improved muscle mass; and increased external, identified, and integrated exercise motivation. Improvements in health and wellbeing were associated with better academic performance. When exploring seasonal variation, mental health was lowest in spring, and self-regulation was highest in November.

Conclusion: The present study observed improvements in body composition, healthy behaviour, and increased motivation in smartwatch users. Further investigation of the data will explore the behavioural implications associated with increases in both controlled and autonomous motivation and the mechanisms driving the association between improved wellbeing and academic performance.

Item Type:	Conference contribution
Alternative Title:	P279
Creators:	Steel, R. and Mitra, S.
Date:	18 July 2024
Identifiers:	Number Type 2422550 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Melissa Cornwell
Date Added:	13 Nov 2025 08:50
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2025 08:50
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/54716

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