TY - JOUR

T1 - Distinguishing Perceived Competence and Self-Efficacy: An Example From Exercise

AU - Markland, D.A.

AU - Rodgers, W.M.

AU - Markland, D.

AU - Selzler, A.

AU - Murray, T.C.

AU - Wilson, P.M.

N1 - This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport on 20-11-2015, available online: http://wwww.tandfonline.com/10.1080/02701367.2014.961050

PY - 2014/11/20

Y1 - 2014/11/20

N2 - This article examined the conceptual and statistical distinction between perceived competence and self-efficacy. Although they are frequently used interchangeably, it is possible that distinguishing them might assist researchers in better understanding their roles in developing enduring adaptive behavior patterns. Perceived competence is conceived in the theoretical framework of self-determination theory and self-efficacy is conceived in the theoretical framework of social-cognitive theory. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to empirically distinguish perceived competence from self-efficacy for exercise. Method: Two studies evaluated the independence of perceived competence and self-efficacy in the context of exercise. Using 2 extant instruments with validity and reliability evidence in exercise contexts, the distinctiveness of the 2 constructs was assessed in 2 separate samples (n = 357 middle-aged sedentary adults; n = 247 undergraduate students). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the conceptual and empirical distinction of the 2 constructs. Conclusions: This study supports the conceptual and statistical distinction of perceived competence from perceived self-efficacy. Applications of these results provide a rationale for more precise future theorizing regarding their respective roles in supporting initiation and maintenance of health behaviors.

AB - This article examined the conceptual and statistical distinction between perceived competence and self-efficacy. Although they are frequently used interchangeably, it is possible that distinguishing them might assist researchers in better understanding their roles in developing enduring adaptive behavior patterns. Perceived competence is conceived in the theoretical framework of self-determination theory and self-efficacy is conceived in the theoretical framework of social-cognitive theory. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to empirically distinguish perceived competence from self-efficacy for exercise. Method: Two studies evaluated the independence of perceived competence and self-efficacy in the context of exercise. Using 2 extant instruments with validity and reliability evidence in exercise contexts, the distinctiveness of the 2 constructs was assessed in 2 separate samples (n = 357 middle-aged sedentary adults; n = 247 undergraduate students). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the conceptual and empirical distinction of the 2 constructs. Conclusions: This study supports the conceptual and statistical distinction of perceived competence from perceived self-efficacy. Applications of these results provide a rationale for more precise future theorizing regarding their respective roles in supporting initiation and maintenance of health behaviors.

U2 - 10.1080/02701367.2014.961050

DO - 10.1080/02701367.2014.961050

M3 - Article

VL - 85

SP - 527

EP - 539

JO - Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport

JF - Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport

SN - 0270-1367

IS - 4

ER -