Mediation Effect of Perceived Fitness on the Relationship between Self-Efficacy and Sport Practice in Spanish Adolescents

Abstract

There has been a decrease in sports practices among the adolescent population, and several authors have tried to identify variables that can explain this decrease by analyzing psychosocial aspects such as perceived fitness and self-efficacy. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the association of perceived fitness and self-efficacy with sport practices and to determine whether perceived fitness is a mediator of the association between self-efficacy and sport practice in Spanish adolescents. The sample was composed of 882 students between 13 and 17 years old from Gipuzkoa (Spain). A descriptive, correlational and direct/indirect effect approach was used, using the PROCESS macro for Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Among the results obtained, it is highlighted on the one hand, that perceived fitness significantly correlates with both self-efficacy and sport practice, on the other hand, it is confirmed that perceived fitness is a mediator in the relationship between self-efficacy and sports practice. This finding highlights the importance of psychosocial aspects in efforts to increase sports practice.

Evaluation of Physical Literacy in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children: Reliability and Validity of Two Measurement Tools in Three Southeastern European Countries

“…Since the evaluation of self-efficacy involves the judgment of one's own ability to organize and perform certain tasks [40], it was logical that facets of sport participation would be positively associated with PL. These considerations are supported by previous studies showing that sports participation is positively related to self-efficacy among 13-to 17-year-old students [41].…”

Physical Self-Concept and Motor Self-Efficacy Are Related to Satisfaction/Enjoyment and Boredom in Physical Education Classes

“…On the other hand, physical self-concept is a mental representation concerning personal physical characteristics [23,24]. It has been observed that both self-perceptions have a great impact on the initiation or cessation of behaviors in contexts of physical practice, as well as on the motivation which is generated towards this type of behavior [25,26]. In this sense, Fraile-García et al [27] highlighted positive relationships between motor self-efficacy and enjoyment in PE classes in children and adolescents.…”

Sources of Sport Satisfaction and Perceived Self-Efficacy Among Youth in a Competitive Environment

“…The young athletes' confidence in their ability to successfully accomplish a particular sport is a key mediator in predicting sources of sport satisfaction (Arribas-Galarraga et al, 2020), and it should be considered developmentally over the course of continuous sport practice. This reinforces the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities that can foster recognition of their ability to achieve a goal or succeed in different tasks (Teques et al, 2019).…”

“…Youth participation in sports has been significantly and positively associated with perceived self-efficacy (Arribas-Galarraga et al, 2020; Brusokas & Malinauskas, 2014; Coalter & Taylor, 2010; Reverdito, Carvalho, et al, 2017; Teques et al, 2019). Teques et al (2019) investigated parental involvement in sports and psychological variables of young athletes (aged 14–18 years) at different performance levels.…”