Impact of using wearable devices on psychological Distress: Analysis of the health information national Trends survey

Abstract

AimThis study explores the possible impact of wearables on psychological distress and their implications on designs. MethodThe study conceptualizes and tests two exploratory models by analyzing the US-based Health Information National Trends Survey of 2019 and 2020. Six variants from the databases were used in the study as predictors. We used models 4 and 6 of the Hayes PROCESS macros to test our conceptual parallel and sequential mediation models, respectively. ResultsThe finding indicates significant and negative indirect effects of ‘Use of wearable device’ on ‘Psychological distress.’ In parallel mediation models, ‘self-care’ and ‘health perception’ were noted to be significant mediators. Wearable devices were associated with improved ‘Health perception,’ ‘Self-care,’ and longer ‘workout duration,’, which in turn helped reduce ‘psychological distress’ (better mental health). The sequential mediation model captured the indirect effect of ‘Use of wearable device’ on ‘Psychological distress’ when sequentially mediated by ‘workout duration,’ ‘BMI,’ ‘self-care,’ and ‘health perception’ in the given order. ConclusionAs the adoption of digital wearables is increasing due to their growing potential to augment physiological and psychosocial health, it is critical that these technologies are designed to address the needs of users from diverse backgrounds (race, education level, age).