Abstract
Perceptions of control have important consequences for health and health behaviors. We sought to examine how generalized (mastery and constraints) and behavioral specific (coping self-efficacy; CSE) control beliefs related to one another and to physical activity (PA) intentions (BI) and behavior in the Alberta population. We hypothesized that CSE would partially mediate the effect of mastery and constraints on exercise and BI, with constraints showing a direct influence on PA. A random digit dialing survey of 1210 Albertans was conducted. Participants were asked about their perceptions of mastery, constraints, efficacy for coping with barriers to PA, PA intentions and behavior. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the role of mastery and constraints on CSE and BI and then on behavior. Mastery was positively related to CSE and constraints were negatively related, such that those reporting higher constraints were less confident in the ability to cope with the demands of PA. CSE fully mediated the relationship between mastery and constraints and behavior, as well as BI. Standardized direct effects between CSE and PA behavior and BI were .47 and .21, respectively. Perceiving broader barriers in one’s life may lead to less confidence in one’s ability to cope with the demands of regular PA, and consequently less PA. Broader beliefs about one’s control may serve as a target to influence behavioral specific control beliefs such as CSE for exercise in future interventions to improve SE.Acknowledgments: Alberta Centre for Active Living