Relationshps Between Exercise Behavior, Self-Efficacy and Affect

The present study sought to examine associations between physical activity, domain specific self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, and positive affect, negative affect or depressive symptoms . It was found that level of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and general self-efficacy were correlated in a positive direction with positive affect such that positive affect increased as physical activity, exercise self-efficacy or general self-efficacy increased. Additionally it was found that positive affect was most closely associated with general self-efficacy followed by exercise specific self-efficacy and physical activity. General self-efficacy was correlated in a negative direction with depressive symptoms and negative affect such that as general selfefficacy increased depressive symptoms and negative affect decreased; exercise self-efficacy and physical activity were not correlated with depressive symptoms or negative affect. Regression analysis demonstrated that the proposed model was potentially consistent with the relationships of exercise and self-efficacy to positive affect but not to mood or negative affect. Findings are discussed with respect to the limitations of the present study and implications these results have on future research.