Exercise Self-Efficacy and Social Norms as Psychological Predictors of Exercise Behavior

ABSTRACT While exercise behavior has been linked to demographics, behavioral factors, and exercise self-efficacy, descriptive social norms have shown conflicting results. This study examined the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and social norms for exercise while controlling for demographics and sedentary behaviors. It was hypothesized that higher exercise self-efficacy and social norms would predict higher levels of physical activity and that males would have higher overall physical activity levels than females. Using data from a cross-sectional telephone survey in Hawaii, logistic regression indicated that meeting walking recommendations was significantly predicted by gender (male), lower BMI, sitting/standing per day, and higher exercise self-efficacy and social norms, p<0.05, successfully classifying 61.9% of participants. Almost 7% of the variance in MET-minutes per week was predicted by gender, age, normal weight ethnicity (Hawaiian), less sitting/standing per day, and higher exercise self-efficacy and social norms, F(8,3915)=35.41, p<0.001. Exercise interventions should address self-efficacy and social norms. Future research should examine descriptive social norms for moderate and vigorous physical activity.

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