Self-efficacy measures in physical activity- and exercise-related studies

Abstract

One of the most frequently identified psychosocial correlates with adherence to physical activity (PA) and exercise is the individual's perception of personal capability or selfieffieacy (SE: Bandura, 1986Bandura, , 1997. It is well known that SE perceptions are influenced by, or influence, the PA and exercise participation. To date, a wide variety ofSE scales have been developed and applied in studies of PA and exercise. In this review, we consider the extant literature dealing with the infiuential roles of SE in relation to PA and exercise for healthy people, We first provide a brief overview ofSE roles in Social Cognitive Theory developed by Bandura. Second, three types of SE scales (task, barrier, and general) are surveyed in PA and exercise participation, which examine different modes of SE. Task SE refers to measures directed at the assessment of beliefs regarding subjects' capabilities to successfu11y engage in incremental bouts ofPA and exercise. Barrier SE is used to typically assess beliefs in capabi]ity to ove;come social, personal and environmental barriers to doing PA and exercise. General SE is examined as more general measure of the efficacy construct due to its generalization to PA and exercise. After each review, we discuss some measurement-related issues related to the development ofSE scales to the PA and exercise domain: level and strength, item number and content, and reliability and validity. Finally we conclude with some recommendations fbr future considerations in the measurement ofselfefficacy.

Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children

“…Self-efficacy for PA was evaluated using the Japanese version of the PA self-efficacy scale for children. 29 Self-efficacy for PA refers to one’s confidence in his or her ability to perform the target PA under difficult conditions. 30 The scale consists of eight items, for example, “I am confident that I can be physically active outdoors even if it is a cold or hot day.” Each item is scored on a 5-point scale, with higher scores indicating greater self-efficacy levels.…”

Relationship between the intention–behavior gap and self-efficacy for physical activity during childhood

“…Self-efficacy. Self-efficacy for physical activity was assessed using a previously published scale of physical activity self-efficacy for children (Takenaka and Uechi, 2002). It had good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity, and consisted of eight items.…”

The Concept of Taiiku in Academic Disciplines: Its Creation and Transition from an Assembly of General Reviews in the Japan Journal of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences^*

“…This discussion marks a paradigm shift in kinetic physiology that originated in the reconsideration of fatigue-inducing substances and can be related to health management in various aspects of sports and victory, as well as the realization of appropriate exercise and other cases (Note 13). Takenaka and Uechi (2002) argued that the purpose of physical activity in daily life "has shifted from the traditional goal of increasing physical fitness to promoting health" (p. 210). In response to this research background, the study distinguished between outcome efficacy and efficacy expectation and used the latter as the frame of reference to develop discussion.…”