The Self-as-Doer Identity and Physical Activity: The Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy for Managing Physical Activity Barriers

Abstract

ABSTRACTAlthough psycho-social interventions have been proposed to increase physical activity, variability in the degree to which physical activity is maintained still exists. The self-as-doer identity, an identity which describes an individual in terms of identification with doing a behavior, predicts physical activity and shows promise for the maintenance of health behaviors. Yet less is known about how the self-as-doer promotes physical activity. One probable mechanism of influence is by increasing confidence in overcoming barriers for physical activity. Therefore, self-efficacy for barriers in physical activity was tested as an intervening variable in the relationship between self-as-doer identity and physical activity. Participants (220 college students, Mage = 20.5, SD = 2.95) completed measures assessing barrier self-efficacy, self-as-doer identity, and physical activity behaviors. Barrier self-efficacy was a significant intervening variable for vigorous, moderate, and total physical activity, but not for walking behaviors. Higher levels of self-as-doer identity were associated with higher levels of barrier self-efficacy, which was then associated with more vigorous, moderate, and total weekly physical activity behaviors. Self-as-doer identity is associated with physical activity through its positive relationship with confidence to overcome barriers. Self-as-doer identity may be used to promote confidence in overcoming barriers to physical activity, thereby promoting greater physical activity acquisition and maintenance.