Abstract
Maddux and Gosselin (2003) discuss the role of self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) in solving problems and state that when faced with a challenge, high SRE individuals remain task-diagnostic and search for solutions. Low SRE individuals remain self-diagnostic and reflect on inadequacies which distracts them from solutions. We examined whether problem-solving (PS) approach (self-diagnostic vs. task-diagnostic) was related to SRE in the context of exercise. First, we hypothesized that higher pre-challenge SRE would be related to a task-diagnostic PS approach. Second, we hypothesized that task-diagnostic scores would be related to less pre to post-challenge change in SRE. Third, for post-challenge, we hypothesized SRE would be related to persistence. University students completed baseline measures of SRE before reading an exercise challenge and then responded to post-challenge SRE and persistence. PS approach was also assessed. Consistent with hypothesis 1, pre-challenge SRE was related to PS approach, r = .661, p < .001. Individuals reporting a more task-diagnostic PS approach reported higher pre-challenge SRE. Consistent with hypothesis 2, PS approach was related to change in SRE scores, r = -0.420, p < .05. Individuals with a stronger task-diagnostic approach reported less pre to post-challenge change in SRE. Consistent with hypothesis 3, there was a post-challenge relationship between SRE and persistence, r = 0.648, p < .01. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a relationship between PS approach and SRE and persistence in an exercise-challenge context. Implications for next-step investigations of possible moderator effects in the relationship between SRE and PS approach are offered.Acknowledgments: Funded by SSHRC Award No. 752-2009-2473 and Canada Research Chair Provincial Award.