Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectancy, and Fear of Failure as Predictors of Physical Activity

Though the benefits of physical activity are well-studied and accepted, researchers have struggled to identify models of health behavior that accurately predict exercise. This dissertation utilized two components of Bandura's Social-Cognitive Model (self-efficacy and outcome expectancies) and added the construct of fear of failure in order to evaluate what factors influence an individual's decision to exercise or avoid physical activity. Self-report data assessing fear or failure, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and physical activity were collected from 248 university students and were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques in order to evaluate the proposed structural model, which hypothesized that fear of failure would negatively relate to the two Social-Cognitive variables, which were expected to positively predict physical activity engagement. Results revealed that although fear of failure did not add significantly to the Social-Cognitive model, a large portion of the variance in physical activity (i.e., 49%) could be accounted for by the model. Additionally, results indicated that outcome expectancies were a much stronger predictor of physical activity than self-efficacy beliefs. This finding is discussed in relation to how individual differences and genetics may influence how rewarding or aversive individuals find exercising. Implications for intervention and directions for future study, including alternate ways of adding affect to the model are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Campus Only Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Nichols, Melanie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gilbert, David

• Fear of Failure
• Physical Activity
• Social Cognitive Theory
• Structural Equation Model

Repository record dc:identifier

https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/dissertations/638

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opensiuc.lib.siu.edu:dissertations-1639