Change in goal ratings as a mediating variable between self-efficacy and physical activity in older men.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have examined the associations between exercise self-efficacy, goals, and physical activity over time.


OBJECTIVE
This study examines whether self-selected goals mediate the changes in exercise self-efficacy on physical activity over 12 months.


METHODS
Data are derived from 313 older men participating in the Veterans LIFE Study.


RESULTS
Changes in exercise self-efficacy were significantly associated with changes in physical activity both directly (betas = 0.25 and 0.24, p < 0.05) and indirectly (betas = 0.24 and 0.30, p < 0.05) through changes in health-related and walking goal ratings (betas = 0.19 and 0.20, p < 0.05). Both types of goal setting continued to partially mediate the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity when covariates were added to the models.


CONCLUSIONS
This study extends the application of social cognitive and goal-setting theories to physical activity by showing that goals partially mediate the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and physical activity over time.
Hall
Katherine S
KS
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, GRECC 182, Durham, NC 27705, USA. katherine.hall3@va.gov
Crowley
Gail M
GM
McConnell
Eleanor S
ES
Bosworth
Hayden B
HB
Sloane
Richard
R
Ekelund
Carola C
CC
Morey
Miriam C
MC
D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009043:Motor Activity; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013997:Time Factors
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