Concurrent self-regulatory efficacy as a mediator of the goal: Exercise behaviour relationship

Examining exercise as a single goal-directed behaviour, without acknowledging the influence of other concurrent goals, may oversimplify the self-regulation needed in daily life. Concurrent self-regulatory efficacy, confidence in one's ability to self-regulate the management of multiple goals, was explored as a potential mediator in the relationship between value of an exercise goal and future exercise behaviour. Undergraduate students were observed during a 4-week examination period where they faced greater than usual challenges to exercising regularly. Consistent with self-efficacy theory, concurrent self-regulatory efficacy was a significant partial mediator of the value of an exercise goal-exercise behaviour relationship.