Understanding user mood and motivation in a mobile health behavior change support system: Insights from a...

BackgroundHealth behavior change support systems (HBCSS) have emerged as effective tools for promoting well-being. Mood and motivation are key psychological aspects of these systems, influencing user engagement. This study aimed to understand mood and motivation within a weight-management HBCSS by analyzing user sentiments reflected in self-monitoring diary entries, examining their relationship with weight-loss outcomes, and identifying factors that influence motivation.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating sentiment analysis and ordinal logistic regression, followed by thematic analysis.ResultsHigher valence scores were associated with higher weight-loss categories. Temporal patterns indicated a decline in positive sentiment and an increase in neutral sentiment over the course of intervention use. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes, each comprising subthemes reflecting motivational facilitators and challenges: sustained self-motivation; self-awareness and progress evaluation; self-regulation and control; and context and environment.ConclusionThese findings deepen our understanding of how mood and motivation influence behavior change in weight management, offering insights for developing systems that support behavior change.