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

Abstract

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<0.001) physical activity, with an indication of an increase in physical activity along with an increase in the sense of self-efficacy, however, this was only true in the case of Polish PE students. Conclusions: Significant correlations were noted between sense of self-efficacy and levels of total and vigorous physical activity, for which the physical education students’ home country (Poland vs. Spain) was considered a moderating factor.