Abstract
This dissertation explores the impact of self-care technologies on the constructs of embodiment and empowerment. Embodiment is to experience external objects in such a way that they are perceived as an integral part of one’s own body. Empowerment is when an individual feels competent to define and impact their self-made goals. We study these constructs within the scope of health technologies, ‘technology embodiment’ and ‘health empowerment’ focusing on self care technologies where the individual utilizes measurements such as sleep and activity to regulate healthier behavior. These constructs weren’t yet adapted within self care technologies or instrumentalized in order to be empirically measured in a scientific model. Furthermore, we measure the relationship of these constructs to adherence to understanding the potential of their adoption in the short and long term. An introduction including, presentation of the motivation, problem statement, research questions and key constructs (e.g.: embodiment, empowerment, and adherence) and theories (e.g.: embodiment theory, self regulation theory) are found in Chapter 1. The aim of this research/thesis was to analyze how and to what extent embodiment and empowerment of wearable self care technologies influence the user’s willingness to stick to their health goals.
To answer this we made use of the following research questions:
1. How can the concepts of embodiment and empowerment be conceptualized in the field of wearable self care technologies?
2. How can embodiment and empowerment be operationalised via a validated measurement instrument?
3. How do embodiment and empowerment of wearable self care technologies influence users willingness to stick to health goals?
4. To what extent do the embodiment and empowerment of wearable self care technologies influence users willingness to stick to health goals
To answer this we made use of the following research questions:
1. How can the concepts of embodiment and empowerment be conceptualized in the field of wearable self care technologies?
2. How can embodiment and empowerment be operationalised via a validated measurement instrument?
3. How do embodiment and empowerment of wearable self care technologies influence users willingness to stick to health goals?
4. To what extent do the embodiment and empowerment of wearable self care technologies influence users willingness to stick to health goals
Original language | English |
---|---|
Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
|
Supervisors/Advisors |
|
Award date | 21 Jun 2024 |
Place of Publication | Enschede |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 978-94-6491-447-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2024 |