biostudies-literatureAlbers NDutch Research Council (NWO)15https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9884656biostudies-literatureUnknown47(1)Goal-setting is often used in eHealth applications for behavior change as it motivates and helps to stay focused on a desired outcome. However, for goals to be effective, they need to meet criteria such as being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). Moreover, people need to be confident to reach their goal. We thus created a goal-setting dialog in which the virtual coach Jody guided people in setting SMART goals. Thereby, Jody provided personalized vicarious experiences by showing examples from other people who reached a goal to increase people's confidence. These experiences were personalized, as it is helpful to observe a relatable other succeed. Data from an online study with a between-subjects with pre-post measurement design (n=39 participants) provide creJournal of medical systemsSetting Physical Activity Goals with a Virtual Coach: Vicarious Experiences, Personalization and Acceptance.PMC9884656628.011.211Albers NScheltinga BLBrinkman WPMeijer EHizli BfalseSetting Physical Activity Goals with a Virtual Coach: Vicarious Experiences, Personalization and Acceptance.Goal-setting is often used in eHealth applications for behavior change as it motivates and helps to stay focused on a desired outcome. However, for goals to be effective, they need to meet criteria such as being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). Moreover, people need to be confident to reach their goal. We thus created a goal-setting dialog in which the virtual coach Jody guided people in setting SMART goals. Thereby, Jody provided personalized vicarious experiences by showing examples from other people who reached a goal to increase people's confidence. These experiences were personalized, as it is helpful to observe a relatable other succeed. Data from an online study with a between-subjects with pre-post measurement design (n=39 participants) provide cre2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Jan2026-06-04T08:01:17.373Z2025-02-18T23:26:14.735ZS-EPMC98846563671027610.1007/s10916-022-01899-9