Adolescent Self-Reflection Process Through Self-Recording on Multiple Health Metrics: Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Informatics
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Self-recording is a proven behavior change technology with expanding applications.
• Previous research focused on self-awareness and decision-making, overlooking multidimensional health metrics.
• Technological advancements enable broader applications of self-recording in health.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate adolescent self-recording of lifestyle behaviors and emotional health.
• Explore the integration of behavioral and emotional health metrics.
• Examine self-recording through the lens of self-regulation theory for health management.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing grounded theory methodology.
• Semistructured interviews with 17 adolescents over 4 weeks.
• Data collection via a prototype self-recording application for behaviors and emotions.

Main Results:

• Adolescents engage in self-recording to evaluate behaviors and understand emotions, demonstrating a self-experimental approach.
• Variability exists in self-recording processes for different health metrics.
• Uncertainty is a key barrier; systems should offer strategies to mitigate it. Self-recording aids planning and fosters relatedness.

Conclusions:

• A theoretical framework for adolescent self-recording across diverse health metrics is proposed.
• A stepwise process from recording to health management behaviors is suggested, integrating self-regulation theory.
• Findings inform the development of digital self-recording systems for comprehensive adolescent health.