Testing social cognitive mechanisms of exercise in college students.

Taber DR, Meischke H, Maciejewski ML. Testing social cognitive mechanisms of exercise in college students. American Journal of Health Behavior. 2010 Mar 1; 34(2):156-65.

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Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: To determine if different dimensions of outcome expectations are mediators between self-efficacy and exercise among college students. METHODS: Students (n = 290) reported exercise levels, self-efficacy, and expectations using a Web-based questionnaire. Factor analysis was performed to identify dimensions of expectations; regression analyses tested whether each factor mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and exercise. RESULTS: Physical, mental, social, and self-evaluative expectations emerged from the factor analysis, but none was associated with exercise independent of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, however, was significantly associated with exercise independent of expectations (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: College students' activity expectations are multidimensional, but do not mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and exercise.