Implicit Theories and Physical Activity Patterns: The Mediating Role of Task Orientation
Author(s): Marc R. Lochbaum, Walter R. Bixby, Rafer S. Lutz, Megan Parsons, Trade Akerhielm
Abstract: Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits; yet, most adults do not engage in recommended amounts of physical activity. Dweck and Leggett's (1988) social-cognitive model was utilized to explain self-reported strenuous exercise participation. Participants (N = 539) completed a measure of entity theory, goal orientations, attribution style, affect in response to exercise participation, perceptions of physical ability (PPA), and a 7-day recall of strenuous physical activity. The initial model fit with 100 randomly chosen participants was poor. A revised model that excluded ego orientation proved to be a good fit for low PPA participants and an excellent fit for high PPA participants. This revised model accounted for 29.5% and 21.1% of the variance in affect and 15.3% and 7.0% of the variance in strenuous exercise participation, respectively for high and low PPA participants. Future research is discussed stressing the promotion of a task orientation.
Pages: 58-67
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