Self-efficacy partially mediates the effect of a school-based physical-activity intervention among adolescent girls

Rod K. Dishman, Robert W. Motl, Ruth Saunders, Gwen Felton, Dianne S. Ward, Marsha Dowda, Russell R. Pate

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background. This study evaluated the effects of the Lifestyle Education for Activity Program (LEAP), a comprehensive school-based intervention emphasizing changes in instruction and school environment, on variables derived from social-cognitive theory (SCT) as mediators of change in physical activity among black and white adolescent girls. Methods. Twenty-four high schools paired on enrollment size, racial composition, urban, suburban, or rural location, and class structure were randomized into control (n = 12) or experimental (n = 12) groups. There were 1038 girls in the control group and 1049 girls in the experimental group. The multicomponent intervention emphasized the enhancement of self-efficacy and development of behavioral skills by using curricular activities within physical education classes and health education instruction. The primary outcomes were self-efficacy, outcome-expectancy value, goal setting, satisfaction, and physical activity. Results. Latent variable structural equation modeling indicated that: (1) self-efficacy and satisfaction exhibited synchronous, cross-sectional relationships with physical activity; (2) the intervention had direct effects on self-efficacy, goal setting, and physical activity; and (3) self-efficacy partially mediated the effect of intervention on physical activity. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence from a randomized controlled trial that manipulation of self-efficacy results in increased physical activity among black and white adolescent girls. The results encourage the use of self-efficacy as a targeted, mediator variable in interventions designed to increase physical activity among girls.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)628-636
Number of pages9
JournalPreventive Medicine
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • African American
  • Behavior modification
  • Exercise
  • Latent variable structural equation modeling
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Social cognitive theory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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