Self-efficacy moderates the mediation of intentions into behavior via plans.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the putative moderating role of self-efficacy in the intention-planning-behavior relationship.


METHODS
In N=812 individuals, intentions (independent variable) were assessed at baseline, whereas action plans (mediator), self-efficacy (moderator), and physical activity (dependent variable) were measured again 4 weeks later. We examined a moderated-mediation model.


RESULTS
Self-efficacy moderates the mediation process: the strength of the mediated effect increased along with levels of self-efficacy. The results remain valid after accounting for baseline physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
For plans to mediate the intention-behavior relation, people must hold sufficiently high levels of self-efficacy. If they lack self-efficacy, planning may be in vain.
Lippke
Sonia
S
Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. s.lippke@fu-berlin.de
Wiedemann
Amelie U
AU
Ziegelmann
Jochen P
JP
Reuter
Tabea
T
Schwarzer
Ralf
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D020377:Self Efficacy