Alternative High School Students' Physical Activity: Role of Self-efficacy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine physical activity self-efficacy as a mediator of the association between perceived barriers to PA and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among alternative high school (AHS) students. METHODS: Students (N=145) from 6 AHS completed self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Mediation analyses revealed partial mediation of PA self-efficacy on relationships between general barriers to PA and MVPA (b = -.39 reduced b = -.33) among females (47.6% of sample). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions with female AHS students should include a component on building PA self-efficacy. However, results suggest the broader environment may have greater impact on MVPA than individual-level psycho-social factors.