Generalised sense of self-efficacy and the level of physical activity among Polish and Spanish physical education students

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport 2020-05, Vol.20 (3), p.1461-1467
• Main Authors: Gacek, Maria K, Kosiba, Grażyna M, Wojtowicz, Agnieszka B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exercise; Health behavior; Health education; Lifestyles; Nutrition; Physical Activity Level; Physical education; Physical fitness; Questionnaires; Self-efficacy; Students; Undergraduate Study
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2020.03201

Problem statement: Physical activity is one of the health factors, and the subject's personal resources are also important for the quality of lifestyle. Physical education students are a group of outstanding commitment to physical culture. Purpose: The research objective was to evaluate the relationship between generalised sense of self-efficacy and physical activity levels among Spanish as well as Polish physical education students. Approach: The study was carried out among 499 students of physical education (280 Spanish, 219 Polish). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) by Schwarzer, Jerusalem and Juczyński were used. Statistical analyses were conducted using Pearson's correlation coefficient as well as moderation analyses applying simple slopes. Results: The total physical activity level of Polish and Spanish physical education students was 8697.21 MET-min per week. Statistically significant and positive relationships were noted between generalised sense of self-efficacy intensification and the levels of total (p=0.005) as well as vigorous (p=0.009) physical activity, the moderating impact of the country of origin on the relationship between sense of self-efficacy and the level of total (p=0.002) and vigorous (p