Abstract
According to Self-Efficacy Theory (SET), behaviours such as physical activity (PA) are influenced by self-efficacy via the mediating effect of outcome expectations. However, peculiar findings from certain studies have revealed that outcome expectancy may not directly influence PA, thus fuelling a debate regarding the extent to which this latter construct may impact PA. Such findings would also appear to call into question where self-efficacy falls in this sequence. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine these propositions by testing two theoretical models in predicting PA levels: the first with outcome expectancy as the mediator (SET), the second with self-efficacy in the mediating position. Participants were 225, predominantly female (65%) university students with a mean age of 20.7. The variables were assessed cross-sectionally through a self-report questionnaire available online. Results indicated a poor fit for the first model, as outcome expectancy was not a significant predictor of PA (ß = .04, p = .56). Interestingly, there was a good fit for the second model as outcome expectancy influenced self-efficacy (ß = .31, p < .001) and self-efficacy predicted PA (ß= .38, p < .001). Although these findings failed to support the SET sequence, they suggest that perhaps the reverse may be true of behaviours that are not inherently pleasurable such as PA. Future interventions should outline clear outcome expectations prior to developing one's confidence for PA.
