The Relationship of Self-Efficacy and Self-Identity to Long-Term Maintenance of Vigorous Physical Activity1

Abstract

This study examines whether task and self-regulatory self-efficacy (scheduling and barriers), and self-identity predict maintenance physical activity. Sixty-seven maintenance runners completed self-efficacy and self-identity measures and, 4 weeks later, recalled their physical activity. Two multiple regression analyses indicated that when combined with self-identity in independent models, both forms of self-regulatory self-efficacy predicted running frequency. A model consisting of task self-efficacy and self-identity significantly predicted running duration. In an extreme self-identity group MANOVA, the high group showed more favorable social cognitions and behavior than the low group. These findings suggest that self-efficacy theory is useful for studying maintenance physical activity. Self-identity may be a useful predictor of maintenance physical activity and may relate to differences in social cognitions and behavior.