Self-efficacy in collegiate athletes during a maximum strength test.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 30-33)The purpose of the present research study was to explore self-efficacy and its relationship to performance outcomes in a maximum strength test in a weight room setting. The secondary purpose was to determine which source of self-efficacy information contributes most to efficacy beliefs. Thirty-six collegiate soccer players filled out a self-efficacy scale prior to their one repetition maximum back squat strength test. The self-efficacy scale asked the participants how confident they were in beating their predicted max (rating scale). A qualitative approach was also used asking what influenced their self-efficacy ratings the most. Results revealed that athletes who had high self-efficacy did not necessarily perform better on their maximum strength test. Therefore, there was no significant relationship between self-efficacy and performance. The qualitative results revealed that physiological states were the most influential source of self-efficacy information. In addition gender differences were discovered. Implications of the study, as well as directions for future research are discussed