EFFECTS OF PEER SOCIAL SUPPORT ON EFFICACY PERCEPTIONS AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN YOUTH

Abstract

Social interactions contribute to psychosocial and physical outcomes in youth sport and physical activity settings. Social interactions (e.g., peer social support) are theorized to inform relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE) and, in turn, influence self-efficacy. When performing tasks that require high physical demand, prior cognitive exertion leads to decreases in self-efficacy and physical performance. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of peer social support on RISE, task self-efficacy, and physical endurance performance in youth, and to explore intermediary pathways between these variables. The secondary purpose was to examine motor coordination as a moderating variable. Youth (N = 84, Mage = 10.43  1.26) were randomly assigned to dyads and, subsequently, to either a peer social support group or a control group. All participants completed two endurance handgrip squeezes at 30% of their maximal voluntary contraction force separated by a cognitively demanding task (Stroop task). In the peer social support group, participants exchanged supportive words of encouragement prior to the second endurance handgrip squeeze, while those in the control group performed the task without prior interaction with their partner. Participants in the peer social support condition reported higher RISE (d = 0.86, p < .001) and greater improvements in physical endurance performance (d = 0.58, p < .01) compared to the control group; however, differences in task self-efficacy were non-significant (d = 0.26, p = .24). Contrary to hypotheses, there was no indirect effect of peer social support on endurance performance change through RISE and self-efficacy. In addition, there was no evidence of a moderating effect of motor coordination. Although, the mechanisms through which peer social support positively impact physical performance remain unclear, results suggest providing peer social support prior to a challenging physical task is associated with more positive RISE perceptions and improved physical performance.