Background/Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors influencing self-efficacy in weight training.
Method: College students (n=115) enrolled in fitness classes participated in the study. The subjects were randomly assigned into three intensity groups (65%, 75% and 85% of maximum strength), and given individualized programs based on their strength level. The programs included machine and free-weight exercises targeting chest, shoulder, back, abdomen, arms and legs with different intensities across groups while maintaining the volume consistent. Self-efficacy was measured before and after training. Rating of Physical Exertion (RPE) was recorded at the last set of each exercise, and the percentage of completion of personalized training program was calculated.
Analysis/Results: Multiple regression was used to predict post training self-efficacy by using gender, intensity, pre-training self-efficacy, RPE and training completion as predictors. Gender and intensity was not significant predictors. Pre-training self-efficacy, RPE and training completion were significant predictors and accounted for 48.4% of the variance of post-training self-efficacy. Pre-training self-efficacy was found to be the most important predictor (r2=.40, p<.01). When controlling for pre-training self-efficacy, RPE and training completion together account for 8% more of the variance of post-training self-efficacy. RPE was negatively related to post-training self-efficacy (p<.05) and training completion was positively related to post-training self-efficacy (p<.01).
Conclusions: Pre-existing self-efficacy was the most important factor related to post-training self-efficacy, however, perceived difficulty of task and successful experience can still influence self-efficacy.