Self-presentational efficacy: Does it moderate the relationship between social physique anxiety and physical activity in university students?

Abstract

The relationship between social physique anxiety (SPA) and physical activity has been inconsistent, with studies showing positive, negative, and no relationship between them. The present study investigated whether self-presentational efficacy moderated the relationship between SPA and physical activity behaviour in university students, as it does in other samples. University students (208 women and 125 men) completed measures of SPE, trait SPA, and moderate-vigorous physical activity. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis showed no evidence of moderation. For women, both self-presentational efficacy expectancy (SPEE) and self-presentational outcome value positively predicted moderate-vigorous physical activity, with efficacy expectancy accounting for greater variance. For men, only SPEE was a significant predictor. It may be effective to increase SPEE in university students to encourage greater physical activity.

Keywords:

• self-presentation
• exercise
• young adults
• suppression