Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations as Determinants of Exercise Adherence

Based upon Bandura's (1977) theory of self-efficacy, this prospective research concerned the prediction of adherence to exercise in a physical fitness program. Adherence was predicted from expectations of both outcome and self-efficacy measured at the first meeting of a 22-session exercise program (two sessions per week). 98 adults of both sexes participated. After completion of the program, participants were classified as “adherers” or “dropouts” from attendance records. Analysis showed that, self-efficacy was a more central determinant of adherence than expectation of outcome, although both variables were significant cognitive mediators of adherence to exercise. At the outset of the program, potential dropouts displayed less certainty than adherers about their capacity to attend the program regularly until its completion. They also expected mote benefits from participation in the program. This suggests that the likelihood of adhering to or dropping out of a fitness program may partly reside in the individual at the outset of involvement. Based on this finding, strategies to improve adherence to exercise are proposed.