THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN STUDENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Physical activity among adults and adolescents do not meet the recommendations of WHO. Many studies focus on investigation of physical activity in students and the role of self-efficacy as important factor in predicting physical activity behaviour. Aim of the study was to determine the role of self-efficacy in physical activity in students. A literature review has been conducted to determine the self-efficacy measurements in physical activity studies and to determine factors related to self-efficacy and physical activity. Through search in the PubMed database 206 records were identified and 24 articles were included in further analysis. Thirteen studies used the General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSES] to measure self-efficacy level. Two studies considered The Exercise Self-Efficacy scale [ESES] focusing specifically on physical activity. Other studies considered different self-efficacy measurement tools including separate questions about physical activity self-efficacy as part of the questionnaire or survey used in the study. One study focused on emotional self-efficacy measures. Other factors investigated in relation to self-efficacy and physical activity were health beliefs, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, academic behaviour, academic procrastination, academic burnout, emotional intelligence, subjective well-being, Self-control, motivation and addiction, self-esteem, body image, sense of inferiority, and social support.