A comprehensive study investigates the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale among secondary school students in China. The findings reveal important insights for promoting physical activity among adolescents.
Researchers have long recognized the significance of physical activity for adolescents, contributing not only to physical health but also to mental well-being. Regular physical activity develops strong bones and muscles, enhances cardiovascular fitness, and aids mental performance by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Despite its benefits, the global trend shows rising levels of sedentary behavior among youth. A recent study indicates over 87% of Chinese children and adolescents do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
To address this issue, the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES)—a psychological tool measuring individuals’ confidence to engage in physical activity across challenging circumstances—has been employed. The current research, focusing on 856 secondary school students from Chongqing, China, tested the Chinese version of the ESES, as existing tools lacked adaptability across different cultures and groups.
By utilizing both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the study assessed the ESES's internal consistency and convergent validity. The analysis revealed a two-factor structure comprising 14 items, which explains 61.044% of the variance, solidifying its reliability as a measurement tool across various demographic groups. According to researchers, "These findings suggest the ESES is suitable for use with secondary-school students," emphasizing its potential to effectively measure exercise self-efficacy.
For the first time, this study also examined the measurement invariance of the ESES among different groups, such as sex and ethnic backgrounds, confirming no significant differences across these categories. This suggests the scale's robustness and applicability to diverse student populations without bias.
The research holds substantial significance as it allows educators, parents, and policymakers to evaluate exercise self-efficacy among adolescents effectively, linking it with interventions aimed at increasing physical activity participation. More culturally relevant tools are necessary as global trends show increasing inactivity among youth.
Overall, the ESES demonstrates good internal consistency and convergent validity, supporting its utilization among Chinese secondary school students. Future studies should extend beyond this demographic to explore exercise self-efficacy's stability across different age groups and settings.
The findings highlight the urgency to promote physical activity among adolescents, emphasizing the role of enhancing self-efficacy through reliable measurement tools. This research not only paves the way for improved intervention strategies but also invites future explorations of exercise self-efficacy across various populations.