Abstract
This study examined the effects of exercise self-efficacy on enjoyment of physical activity in a sample of low to moderately active college-aged women (N= 28). Participants were randomized into a low- or high-efficacy condition, and efficacy beliefs for engaging in moderate intensity physical activity were manipulated by providing bogus feedback after a maximal incremental exercise test. All participants completed a 30-min moderate intensity cycling session 2–3 d after the efficacy manipulation. Enjoyment of physical activity was assessed after both the maximal exercise test and the moderate intensity cycling exercise session. Our results indicated that the efficacy manipulation significantly influenced enjoyment of the maximal incremental exercise test. Participants in the low-efficacy condition reported lower enjoyment scores relative to high-efficacy participants following the maximal exercise test. However, enjoyment after the moderate intensity exercise bout did not differ between the two conditions. These results imply that efficacy may be an important influence of physical activity enjoyment, particularly at higher intensities.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bandura, A. (1986).Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Bandura, A. (1997).Mediating processes. InSelf-efficacy: The exercise of control (pp. 116–161). New York: W.H. Freeman.
Cohen, J. (1988).Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Academic Press.
Jerome, G. J., Marquez, D. X., McAuley, E., Canaklisova, S., Snook, E., & Vickers, M. (2002). Self-efficacy effects on feeling states in women.International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 9, 139–154.
Johnson, N. A., & Heller, R. F. (1998). Prediction of patient nonadherence with home-based exercise for cardiac rehabilitation: the role of perceived barriers and perceived benefits.Preventive Medicine, 27, 56–64.
Kendzierski, D., & DeCarlo, K. (1991). Physical activity enjoyment scale: Two validation studies.Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 13, 50–64.
McAuley, E., & Blissmer, B. (2000). Self-efficacy determinants and consequences of physical activity.Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 28, 85–88.
McAuley, E., & Courneya, K. (1992). Self-efficacy relationships with affective and exertion responses to exercise.Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 22, 312–326.
McAuley, E., Elavsky, S., Jerome, G. J., Konopack, J. F., & Marquez, D. X. (2005). Physical activity-related well-being in older adults: Social cognitive influences.Psychology and Aging, 20, 295–302.
McAuley, E., Talbot, H. M., & Martinez, S. (1999). Manipulating self-efficacy in the exercise environment in women: Influences on affective responses.Health Psychology, 18, 288–294.
Motl, R. W., Berger, B. G., & Leuschen, P. S. (2000). The role of enjoyment in the exercise-mood relationship.International Journal of Sport Psychology, 31, 347–363.
Motl, R. W., Dishman, R. K., Saunders, R., Dowda, M., Felton, G., & Pate, R. R. (2001).Measuring enjoyment of physical activity in adolescent girls.American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 21, 110–117.
Rudolph, D., & McAuley, E. (1996). Self-efficacy and perceptions of effort: A reciprocal relationship.Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 18, 216–223.
Schnohr, P., Kristensen, T. S., Prescott, E., & Scharling, H. (2005). Stress and life dissatisfaction are inversely associated with jogging and other types of physical activity in leisure time- The Copenhagen City Heart Study.Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 15, 107–112.
Treasure, D. C., & Newberry, D. M. (1998). Relationship between self-efficacy, exercise intensity, and feeling states in a sedentary population during and following an acute bout of exercise.Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20, 1–11.
Wankel, L. M. (1993). The importance of enjoyment to adherence and psychological benefits from physical activity.International Journal of Sport Psychology, 24, 151–169.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hu, L., Motl, R.W., McAuley, E. et al. Effects of self-efficacy on physical activity enjoyment in college-agedwomen. Int. J. Behav. Med. 14, 92–96 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03004174
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03004174