Commitment Devices as Behavior Change Support Systems: A Study of Users’ Perceived Competence and Continuance Intention

Abstract

The design principles of persuasive systems and the corresponding software features have been shown to have a positive effect on individuals’ behavior and systems use. This study continues along the same line by analyzing the effects of these design principles on users’ perceived competence and intention to continue to use an online commitment device. A structural equation modelling approach is used to identify the factors that affect the intention to continue to use the system. Data (N = 173) collected from the system’s users is tested against the proposed research model. The results show that 37% of users’ continuance intention is explained by the implemented persuasive software feature categories (computer–human dialogue support, primary task support, perceived credibility, and social support) and perceived competence. Of these categories, primary task support has the strongest effect on perceived competence and continuance intention. The study concludes with a discussion and recommendations for future research.