The Role of University Students’ General Self-Efficacy, Depression and Psychological Well-being in Predicting Their Exercise Behavior

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between exercise and general self-efficacy, depression, and psychological well-being of college students. Five hundred and twenty-two university students (n male= 273; X age = 23.33±4.36 and n female = 279; X age =25.91±7.11) have participated in this research. The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire (PASCQ), and "Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS) have been applied to the sample group in this study. While differences in participants' self-efficacy, depression, and psychological well-being levels with regard to the stage of changes in exercise are calculated with one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), the relationship between these ideas discussed in the research have been determined with Pearson Moments Product Correlation Analysis. According to the stages of exercise behavior, significant disparities have been found between participants' level of self-efficacy, depression, and psychological well-being, and the relationship between those notions has been observed. According to the results, the participants' general self-efficacy and psychological well-being levels were high and the depression levels were low when on advanced levels of exercise. In light of the findings obtained from this research, it has been concluded that continuity in exercise has a positive effect on psychological effects like general self-efficacy, depression and psychological well-being.

Self‐efficacy and its influencing factors of breast cancer screening for female college students in China

“…This may be owing to those who exercised regularly were only aware that exercise was a healthy lifestyle, this good habit did not affect their awareness of breast cancer screening. By conducting a survey among university students, Gözde Ersöz found that students in the maintenance phase of physical exercise had higher self‐efficacy level than those in the exercise preparation stage . We should encourage the college students to form the habit of exercise after entering the university.…”

“…By conducting a survey among university students, Gözde Ersöz found that students in the maintenance phase of physical exercise had higher self-efficacy level than those in the exercise preparation stage. 35 We should encourage the college students to form the habit of exercise after entering the university.…”

Health Behaviour Intentions and Barriers to Physical Activity among Health Science Students: Exploring General Self Efficacy as a Mediator

“…In comparison to these results, previous studies of the same nature also found a positive relationship between regular exercise and general self-efficacy [29,30]. Research has found that those who exercise and show continuity in exercise positively affects psychological phenomena like self-efficacy and psychological well-being, while not engaging in exercise or not considering exercise has a positive relation with depression [21]. This is very important considering health science student require stable psychological wellbeing to be able to study.…”

“…physical activity [18,21,25,27]. According to social cognitive theory, the study showed that self-efficacy (individual factor) explained part of the association between barriers to physical activity (environmental factors) and health behaviour intentions.…”

“…In social cognitive theory, self-efficacy is a cognitive mechanism that can function as a mediator in health behaviors. Studies have been done before and have found evidence for self-efficacy mediating the association between environmental factors and physical activity [18,19,20,21].…”