The Effects of Self-Efficacy, Self-Control Strength and Normative Feedback on Exercise Performance

Abstract

The strength model of self-control suggests that self-regulation and self-control processes are governed by finite internal energy resources. However, this perspective has recently come under scrutiny suggesting that self-control processes are not solely constrained to limited resources and may also be guided by motivational-cognitive processing. Self-efficacy theory and control theory are two theoretical views of self-regulation that also suggest self-regulation failures are dependent on motivational-cognitive processes; however the potential role of limited resources has not been evaluated in the context of these theoretical views. This dissertation sought to advance our understanding of self-regulation and self-control of exercise behaviour by integrating the three theoretical perspectives discussed above. Study 1 showed that self-control depletion leads to reductions in task self-efficacy mediating the self-control depletion – negative performance change relationship. Overall, findings are consistent with self-efficacy theory. However the results are limited as the mechanism(s) leading to reduced self-efficacy following self-control depletion remain unclear. Study 2 explored a sequential (serial) mediation model investigating the idea that exerting self-control leads to an altered psychophysiological state increasing subjective fatigue, which in turn, leads to reduced self-efficacy to exert self-control and reductions in physical self-control performance. Findings supported the proposed sequential mediation model. However, it remains unclear to what extent that self-efficacy plays a passive or active role guiding self-controlled behaviour following self-control depletion. Study 3 explored the independent and interactive effects of self-control depletion and normative performance feedback on self-efficacy and physical self-control. Findings showed an interaction between self-control depletion and feedback. Findings support predictions of control theory when self-control resources are intact, but suggest feedback information is processed differently when self-control strength is depleted. Overall, results show that when self-efficacy is manipulated by feedback the effects of self-control depletion on performance are no longer evident supporting self-efficacy’s role as an active causal mechanism determining behaviour.