The Role of Motivation and Multidimensional Exercise Self-Efficacy in Exercise Behavior

Abstract

Several psychosocial constructs included in the Self-Determination Theory (e.g., motivational regulations) and Self-Efficacy Theory have been shown to influence exercise (EX) behavior. In 2008, Rodger et al. introduced a multidimensional exercise self-efficacy scale (MESE) to measure three behavioral domains (i.e., task, coping and scheduling efficacy) that are proposed to influence exercise participation. PURPOSES: To investigate the role of motivational regulations and multidimensional self-efficacy on exercise behavior, and to examine the relationship among these psychological variables. METHODS: All participants ≥ 18 yr old in the OSU Faculty and Staff Fitness Program received an invitation e-mail with a link to the survey that included Behavioral Regulation Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2), MESE, exercise stage of change, Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Scale, and demographic information. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression were applied to explain EX behavior and to predict level of autonomy by the three SE dimensions. RESULTS: Most participants (N=139; 65.5% women; age 26-69 yr, M=46.27, SD=11.26) were in the action or maintenance stages (69.3%). None of the motivational regulations or SE was significantly correlated with mild or moderate EX. Only scheduling SE (rvig=.367; rtotal=.319) and identified regulation (rvig=.414; rtotal=.274) showed positive association with vigorous and total EX. Gender, MESE subscales and motivational regulations were included in a regression model that explained 17.2% of the variance in total EX, F(9,122)=2.813, p=.005. Gender and scheduling SE were significant predictors. This model also predicted 35.0% of the variance in vigorous EX. Gender, scheduling SE and amotivation were significant predictors. Task, barrier and scheduling SE explained 23.7% of variability in autonomy. Scheduling SE and task SE were the most influential predictors. CONCLUSION: Gender and scheduling SE were significant predictors and explained more variability in vigorous EX than total EX in adults in a fitness program. Level of autonomy could also be explained by scheduling SE and task SE. The relationship between MESE, motivational regulations, and exercise needs further investigation in a longitudinal design.