Goal Setting Theory on mobile fitness application engagement: the mediating role of goal mechanisms

This empirical paper fills the research gap by modelling goal mechanisms on the extension of Goal Setting Theory (GST) as a mediator role between the goal core (GC) and engagement in mobile fitness applications. Data were gathered from a survey whereby 355 mobile fitness application users completed the questionnaire of the study. The study utilized structural equation modelling (SEM), specifically the partial least squares approach (PLSSEM). The analysis was conducted in two stages: evaluating the measurement model and assessing the structural model. The results indicate that goal mechanisms have a significant impact on user engagement, providing strong support for the hypothesis that individuals who use goal-setting features in mobile fitness apps tend to exhibit greater levels of engagement. Consistently, goal mechanisms significantly mediate the relationship between goal core and individual engagement. The contribution of the paper is threefold: first, it increases the literature database regarding the antecedents of goal mechanisms on Goal Setting Theory (GST); second, it changes the way we perceive the relationship between goal core and engagement by introducing goal mechanisms as a mediator and lastly, it provides guidance on engagement strategy decisions to fitness trainers and centres and serves as the basis for future research.