title: Preferring proxy-agency: impact on self-efficacy for exercise.
abstract: We examined: (a) the social-cognitions of those who differ in preferred level of proxy-assistance in both proxy-led and independent exercise contexts; and (b) the relationships between proxy-agency and reliance. Sixty-five fitness class participants completed measures of self-regulatory efficacy, task self-efficacy, exercise intentions, proxy-efficacy and perceived reliance. A 2 (exercise context) by 2 (preferred assistance) MANOVA revealed significant main effects for assistance and context. Also, significant assistance by context interactions was found for both efficacies. When facing exercise without a proxy, individuals preferring high proxy assistance expressed lower self-regulatory and task self-efficacy. Finally, proxy- and self-regulatory efficacy were shown to be separate predictors of reliance on a proxy. Results support Bandura's theorizing about the proxy-led context and its influence on self-regulatory efficacy.
authors.affiliation: School of Recreation Management and Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada. chris.shields@acadiau.ca
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: Lawrence R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Brawley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019727:Proxy; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires