How to build strong self-efficacy? Durability and impact on physical performance from a persuasion approach / ¿Cómo construir una autoeficacia fuerte? Durabilidad e impacto en el rendimiento físico desde un enfoque basado en la persuasión

Abstract

From a persuasion approach, the present research examined whether self-efficacy (SE) beliefs changed via a high-elaboration process were durable in an academic setting (Study 1) and influential on behaviour (i.e., physical performance) in a sport setting (Study 2). Specifically, these effects on the strength of SE beliefs were examined through the most recently proposed high-elaboration process (i.e., self-validation). In both studies, the SE thought was manipulated (i.e., high vs. low) and the perceived validity of thought was measured (as a continuous predictor). Next, participants completed a measure of SE beliefs. Moreover, in Study 1, participants were asked to come to a second session (exactly seven days later), and SE beliefs were again measured. In Study 2, physical performance was assessed in a pull-up test. We hypothesized and found that the effects of the SE thought (i.e., high vs. low) on SE beliefs were larger the greater the perceived validity of thought. Most importantly, these effects were durable, and predictive of physical performance, with SE beliefs serving as the mediator of the effects of the SE thought on physical performance (Study 2).