title: Self-Regulatory Self-Efficacy, Action Control, and Planning: There's an App for That!
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Advances in technology have resulted in smartphone-based applications (apps) that could possibly serve to support physical activity (PA). This study compares health action process approach social cognitions between exercisers who do (n = 29) and do not (n = 76) use apps.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exercisers completed an online questionnaire assessing usage of apps, the health action process approach (HAPA) social cognitions, and PA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A multivariate effect was found between app users and nonusers for HAPA social cognitions. Follow-up univariate analyses were calculated and determined that app users had significantly greater goal-setting efficacy, scheduling efficacy, recovery efficacy, action control, and planning compared with nonusers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  App use may be related to greater self-regulatory cognitions and skills. Future research should further explore app use in relation to social cognitions and long-term PA.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bassett-Gunter
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .
authors.forename: Atina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063731:Mobile Applications; D020377:Self Efficacy; D000068997:Smartphone; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: action control; behavior modification; e-health; health action process approach; physical activity; self-regulatory efficacy; smartphone applications