"It's like a toxic relationship": Examining internal conflict experienced in wearable activity tracker users.

ABSTRACT: Wearable activity trackers have been recognised as effective tools for physical activity promotion, leading to their integration in healthcare services. Although, some qualitative literature indicated that device users may experience internal conflict. The current study is the first of our knowledge to directly examine the conflict faced by wearable activity tracker users. A qualitative, exploratory design was followed, with inductive thematic analysis conducted on semi-structured interview transcripts. The current study consisted of 11 regular wearable activity tracker users (8 female), aged between 18-59 years (M = 30.73). Four themes and nine sub-themes captured participants' internal conflict. Themes were; Who knows best? Who's in charge? Who am I without it? And What is happening to m

SUBMITTER: Humphreys G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923002 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature