Self-efficacy moderates the mediation of intentions into behavior via plans.

OBJECTIVE To examine the putative moderating role of self-efficacy in the intention-planning-behavior relationship. METHODS In N=812 individuals, intentions (independent variable) were assessed at baseline, whereas action plans (mediator), self-efficacy (moderator), and physical activity (dependent variable) were measured again 4 weeks later. We examined a moderated-mediation model. RESULTS Self-efficacy moderates the mediation process: the strength of the mediated effect increased along with levels of self-efficacy. The results remain valid after accounting for baseline physical activity. CONCLUSIONS For plans to mediate the intention-behavior relation, people must hold sufficiently high levels of self-efficacy. If they lack self-efficacy, planning may be in vain.