Being fit and feeling pleased: The mediational role of physical self-efficacy in UAE women residents

Abstract

High prevalence of mood disorders among women in the UAE might be derived from low levels of physical activity. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism through which physical activity affects mood by examining the possible mediating role of physical self-efficacy. A cross-sectional investigation was performed on a population opportunistically sampled among women in the UAE (n = 160). The analysis was based on the Baron and Kenny four steps mediation model which allowed the identification of the mediation effect through a series of simple and multiple linear regression analyses. The results confirmed that physical self-efficacy mediates the relationship between physical activity and mood but only partially. In consequence, exercise-based interventions designed to improve mood should also include physical self-efficacy enhancement, as this may constitute a complementary mechanism of mood regulation. Implications for women in the UAE are discussed in light of such results.

Keywords:

• mood
• physical self-efficacy
• physical activity
• women
• mediation model
• UAE