Self-efficacy moderates the relation between declines in physical activity and perceived social support in high school girls

Rod K. Dishman, Ruth P. Saunders, Robert W. Motl, Marsha Dowda, Russell R. Pate

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective To test whether self-efficacy for overcoming barriers to physical activity has direct, indirect (i.e., mediated), or moderating relations with naturally occurring change in perceived social support and declines in physical activity during high school. Methods Latent growth modeling was used with measures completed in the 8th, 9th, and 12th grades by a cohort of 195 Black and White girls. Results Self-efficacy was stable and moderated the relation between changes in physical activity and perceived social support. Girls who maintained a perception of strong social support had less of a decline in physical activity if they also had high self-efficacy. However, girls having high self-efficacy had a greater decline in physical activity if they perceived declines in social support. Conclusions Randomized controlled trials of physical activity interventions based on social cognitive theory should consider that the influence of girls? perceptions of social support on their physical activity may differ according to their efficacy beliefs about barriers to physical activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberjsn100
Pages (from-to)441-451
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Growth curve analysis
  • Health behavior
  • Race/ethnicity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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