Journal
PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE
Volume 36, Issue -, Pages 156-161Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.02.006
Keywords
Growth mindsets; Efficacy; Exercise; Physical activity; Implicit theories
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Objectives: Two studies examined if individuals' implicit theories, or mindsets, of fitness predict exercise behavior and whether self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. Design and methods: Study 1 was a correlational study (n = 117) in which participants completed measures of mindsets of fitness, physical exercise self-efficacy, fitness self-value and exercising frequency. In Study 2, an experimental study (N = 314), participants were randomly assigned to read a news article portraying fitness as either malleable (growth condition) or static (fixed condition). Participants again completed measures of mindsets, physical exercise self-efficacy, and fitness self-value as well as future exercise intentions. Results: In Study 1, mindsets of fitness predicted exercise frequency, with stronger growth mindsets positively relating to self-reports of exercise frequency. And, self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. In Study 2, we successfully manipulated fitness mindsets. Self-reported growth mindsets of fitness predicted greater exercise intentions and self-efficacy and self-value mediated this relationship. However, the manipulation failed to predict exercise intentions. Conclusions: Study 1 provided initial support for the relationship between stronger growth mindsets of fitness and greater exercise efficacy, value and past exercise frequency. Study 2 offered experimental evidence of the potential to foster stronger growth mindsets. We discuss implications for future intervention development.
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