Stress, Physical Self-Efficacy and Motives to Exercise in Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise

Philpott, Kate (2017) Stress, Physical Self-Efficacy and Motives to Exercise in Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Existing literature examines the effects of exercise on psychological phenomena like stress and physical self-efficacy (PSE). However, there is a major gap in the literature regarding different types of exercise and such phenomena, with particular lack of reference to anaerobic exercise. Hypothesis 1 stated that perceived stress would be lower in anaerobic exercisers than non-exercisers. Hypothesis 2 stated that PSE would be higher in anaerobic exercisers than in aerobic exercisers, and hypothesis 3 stated that specific motives to exercise would predict PSE. The sample (N = 152) was separated into 3 self-selected groups; aerobic, anaerobic and no exercise (n = 48, 48 and 56 respectively). This cross-sectional, observational study collected data purposively in two gyms (SV fitness, Dublin, and Platinum Physique, Meath). The control group was recruited via convenience sampling. Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference between exercisers and non-exercisers on perceived stress, regardless of exercise type, with both types scoring moderate to highly. Motives to exercise significantly predicted PSE, however only two specific motives were significant predictors of PSE; the fitness motive, (positively) and the health motive (negatively). Overall, existing literature and the current findings suggest that motives to exercise partly predict PSE, PSE predicts exercise behaviour, and such exercise behaviour (regardless of type) has an effect on stress levels. These findings advance existing knowledge on the examined phenomena, while highlighting areas in the field that require further research. These research findings can be practically applied by sports psychologists and other health professionals. Findings are discussed in light of the study’s strengths and limitations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Stress (Psychology)
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	08 Nov 2017 11:48
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2017 11:48
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/2777

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