General Self-Efficacy as a Mediator of Physical Activity's Impact on Well-Being Among Norwegian Adolescents: A Gender and Age Perspective.

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of physical activity on adolescent well-being remain poorly understood. One potential pathway involves increased general self-efficacy. A deeper understanding of underlying processes, and of direct and indirect impacts across adolescent sub-groups, can improve intervention strategies. This study investigates whether physical activity predicts subjective well-being in adolescents, the mediating role of general self-efficacy, and the moderating effect of gender and age on these relationships.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study utilised data from a population-based sample of 18,146 Norwegian adolescents aged 14-19. Simple and moderated mediation models were tested with Hayes' PROCESS in SPSS, with life satisfaction as the dependent variable, physical activity as the independent variable, general self-efficacy as the mediator, and gender and age as moderators. Analyses were controlled for socio-demographic variables and social support.

Results: The findings indicated a small, positive effect of physical activity on well-being, consistent across genders but increasing with age, though not significant for those under 14.5 years. Approximately half of the total effect of physical activity on well-being was mediated through general self-efficacy. This indirect effect was greater for girls and younger adolescents compared to their counterparts, due to greater positive impacts of general self-efficacy on well-being within these two sub-groups.

Conclusions: By identifying general self-efficacy as a mediator of physical activity's impact on adolescent well-being, along with distinct direct and indirect effects within sub-groups, this study enhances the theoretical framework and knowledge base for more effective physical activity initiatives targeting the well-being of this demographic.