The Relationship Between Barrier Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Previous reviews have highlighted the importance of self-efficacy beliefs in maintaining adequate levels of childhood physical activity (PA), but variable findings with different age groups and measures of PA indicate the need to quantify the extant literature. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the relationship between adolescents’ barrier self-efficacy (BSE) and PA behavior using a random-effects model and to examine age and type of PA measurement as potential relationship moderators. A systematic online database review yielded 38 articles up to June 2018. A small to moderate correlation between BSE beliefs and PA was noted, although the variability was considerable. Age and measurement timing were not significant moderators, but the type of measurement was a significant relationship moderator. This meta-analysis emphasizes the importance of BSE as a psychosocial correlate to PA behavior in young people. There is a need for further BSE–PA research with attention to measurement technique and developmental differences.

Organized Physical Activity Program Participation, Physical Activity, and Related Psychosocial Factors Among Urban Adolescents

“…Although research has identified several psychosocial factors as being associated with adolescents’ PA, the following three have received increased attention due to their relatively consistent positive relationships with the behavior: perceived PA self-efficacy, social support for PA, and motivation for PA. Strategies to enhance these psychosocial factors are encouraged to both increase adolescents’ MVPA and decrease their sedentary screen time behavior (Hill et al, 2019; Huffman et al, 2018).…”

“…PA self-efficacy involves confidence adolescents have in their ability to participate in PA when faced with barriers (Bandura, 1986). PA self-efficacy has been identified as a positive psychosocial correlate with PA among children and adolescents, aged 9–17 years (Hill et al, 2019), and has been shown to predict their future PA (Dishman, Dunn, et al, 2010). Previous experiences with a behavior are identified as the major source for developing behavior-specific self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997).…”

“…Regardless, continued examination of young adolescents’ PA self-efficacy is important because the barriers to PA that they face likely change over time, particularly due to new technologies that promote sedentary activity. To avoid a downward spiral that leads to a physically inactive lifestyle (Hill et al, 2019), identifying ways to assist young adolescents to bolster their PA self-efficacy during this critical developmental period is essential.…”

Exercise Self-efficacy, Perceived Benefits, and Barriers to Exercise Among Patients Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…However, our understanding of other factors and optimal approaches to change AMI patient behaviors toward exercising is still lacking 5 . In addition, there is a need for further studies that focus on barriers and benefits to exercise with attention to measurement technique and developmental differences 10 . There are limited studies examining the prediction of exercise self-efficacy among post-AMI patients, including type of AMI, perceived exercise benefits, perceived exercise barriers, and clinical variables such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, lipid profile, and smoking cigarettes or Argela (water pipes).…”

“…5 In addition, there is a need for further studies that focus on barriers and benefits to exercise with attention to measurement technique and developmental differences. 10 There are limited studies examining the prediction of exercise self-efficacy among post-AMI patients, including type of AMI, perceived exercise benefits, perceived exercise barriers, and clinical variables such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, lipid profile, and smoking cigarettes or Argela (water pipes). Therefore, the authors of this study attempt to identify perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among post-AMI patients and to determine factors that predict self-efficacy level, to help nurses to develop effective programs to improve exercise uptake and adherence among such service users.…”