Original scientific paper
Self-Efficacy and Habit as The Mechanisms Underlying Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Dragan Glavaš
orcid.org/0000-0002-5950-855X
; University Department of Psychology Catholic University of Croatia Zagreb, Croatia
*
Vicko Ćudina
orcid.org/0009-0001-6635-8879
; Department of Psychology Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences University of Rijeka Rijeka, Croatia
Dražen Domijan
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Background: In a modern, predominantly sedentary society, the importance of physical activity for both physical and mental health is increasingly emphasized. Hence, it is essential to examine the factors underpinning the initiation and maintenance of regular physical activity. Aim: The main aim of this study was to test the role of physical activity (PA) self-effi cacy and PA habit in explaining the PA intensity of recreational exercisers and athletes. Methods: We conducted an Internet-based study from July 15 to July 31, 2023, using a cross-sectional design and a nonprobability (convenient) sample. Participants completed a questionnaire containing scales to assess their PA selfeffi cacy, PA habit and PA intensity, questions on their physical exercise and sports involvement, and questions on their sociodemographic background. Results: The study comprised 491 participants, of whom 424 were athletes (27.4%) or individuals who regularly exercise (72.6%), (53.8% of whom were female), of an average age of 28.39 years. The results showed a direct positive contribution of PA self-effi cacy to PA intensity among athletes. PA self-effi cacy did not directly contribute to PA intensity in exercisers. PA self-effi cacy indirectly contributed to PA intensity through enhanced PA habit, across all the observed groups. Conclusion: The study fi ndings demonstrated the importance of PA self-effi cacy and PA habit in explaining PA intensity, with possible distinct mechanisms of contribution for athletes and regular exercisers. Specifi cally, the data suggest a positive impact of PA self-effi cacy on PA intensity among athletes both directly and indirectly, through enhanced PA habit, while enhanced PA habit completely mediated the positive impact of PA self-effi cacy on PA intensity among exercisers. This empirical evidence illustrates the necessity of providing individuals with effective skills and knowledge, which are crucial for fostering a sense of PA self-effi cacy, strengthening the PA habit and, ultimately, for more effective engagement in PA.
Keywords
physical activity; recreational exercisers; athletes; self-effi cacy; habit
Hrčak ID:
334374
URI
Publication date:
2.6.2024.
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