Self-efficacy, decision making, and the stages of exercise behavior change

Abstract

Based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, an understanding of the determinants of exercise behavior is beginning to emerge. In this study exercise behavior was examined to determine its association with self-efficacy and decisional making. One hundred seventy four freshman college students answered three questionnaires to assess their stage of exercise behavior, self-efficacy and decisional balance (i.e., pros and cons). Frequency counts were used to determine the distribution of freshman students among the stages of adoption. Stage of exercise adoption was the independent variable, and self-efficacy and decisional balance were the dependent variables in the analysis. Analysis of variance showed that self-efficacy and decision making were able to significantly differentiate one's stage of exercise change. Understanding the states of exercise behavior change may yield important information for designing physical education curriculum that would enhance exercise adoption and adherence.