Frontiers in Psychology (Jul 2022)

Physical Fitness, Exercise Behaviors, and Sense of Self-Efficacy Among College Students: A Descriptive Correlational Study

  • Shan-shan Han,
  • Bo Li,
  • Bo Li,
  • Guang-xu Wang,
  • Guang-xu Wang,
  • You-zhi Ke,
  • Shu-qiao Meng,
  • Ya-xing Li,
  • Zhong-lei Cui,
  • Wen-xia Tong

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932014
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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BackgroundSelf-efficacy is an important component of the mental well-being of college students. This study aimed to evaluate the development and the correlation between physical fitness (PF), exercise behavior, and self-efficacy in college students. To examine whether PF in individual college students can predict self-efficacy, and whether exercise behavior mediates this relationship.MethodsThis was an observational study of 1923 randomly selected college students (50.5% girl). Measures included the Physical Activity Rating Scale, the Self-Efficacy Scale, and PF testing.ResultsSelf-efficacy was weakly correlated to both PF (r = 0.240) and exercise behavior (r = 0.248). In regression analysis, PF explained 24.7% of the variance in self-efficacy, increasing to 29.4% when exercise behavior was considered. Therefore, the predictive effect of PF on self-efficacy is partially realized through healthy exercise behavior.ConclusionPhysical fitness can predict self-efficacy among college students, with exercise behavior being an important mediation of this relationship. Strategies to improve positive exercise behaviors and PF could improve students’ self-efficacy and overall mental health.

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