Relationship of Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control Constructs in Predicting College Students' Physical Fitness Behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to study how elements of Rotter's social learning theory and Bandura's self-efficacy theory jointly predict physical fitness behaviors of college students. The Physical Fitness Opinion Questionnaire was developed to measure locus of control beliefs, self-efficacy, value placed on physical fitness, expectancy of reinforcement, and value of reinforcement specific to physical fitness behaviors. More specifically, this study examined the relations among these five factors in predicting college student health-related physical fitness behavior. Results indicated that specific locus of control measures combined with general values held toward physical fitness were not effective in predicting college students' participation in physical fitness activities. Only self-efficacy and value of specific reinforcement for fitness appeared to predict college students' participation in health-related physical fitness activities.