Self‐Efficacy as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Causal Attributions and Exercise Behavior

Abstract

The primary purposes of this study were to examine whether the attribution–intention link was mediated by self‐efficacy and whether the attribution–behavior link was mediated by self‐efficacy. As a secondary purpose, we examined whether the attribution–behavior link was mediated by exercise intentions. These relationships were tested prospectively at multiple time points. Participants were 260 adult exercisers (M age=32 years) enrolled in 12 weeks of structured exercise classes. Social cognitive measures were assessed at early and midprogram; attendance was tracked for the first and second half of the program. Hierarchical multiple regression procedures indicated support for self‐efficacy as a mediator of the relationship between attributions and behavior. Secondary analyses revealed support for intention as a mediator of the attribution–behavior relationship. Finally, additive relationships in support of social cognitive theory also were detected. The attribution/self‐efficacy/behavior link is important for adherence interventions and should be investigated further in both asymptomatic and symptomatic populations.