Associations Between the Residential Environment and Physical Activity in German College Students and the Role of Self-Efficacy as a Mediator

Social-ecological models suggest that influences on physical activity should be examined on multiple levels, but most of the empirical studies in this area have investigated the different levels separately. To integrate the different levels, we examined self-efficacy with respect to physical exercise as a mediator of the relation between environmental characteristics and physical activity. In a cross-sectional German study, 1,292 college students completed a questionnaire that included measures of their perceived residential environment, self-efficacy, and physical activity. Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect effects on physical activity. The cycling and walking network was directly positively associated with moderately intense physical activity. The network and trust in neighbors were indirectly positively associated with both moderately and vigorously intense physical activity mediated by self-efficacy. Our results support the importance of environmental influences on physical activity and emphasize the need to consider different levels of social-ecological models. It is likely that the environment stimulates residents’ self-efficacy such that they will use their environmental opportunities for physical activity more effectively. Evidence of such environmental influences can be used to improve community-based interventions.