Sociocognitive variables and their relationship with physical activity in Chilean university students

Abstract

Abstract: The factors that influence physical activity levels are many, however, it is necessary to identify those that can be modified, among them are the sociocognitive variables. The general objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between physical self-concept, motivation, self-efficacy and perception of barriers to physical activity, and subjective well-being with the level of physical activity in university students. A cross-sectional predictive design was used and 362 students of Higher Education from a region of southern central Chile participated. To respond to the objectives, a Model of Structural Equations was used, specifically the Probit model suitable for ordinal regressions. The results showed that: (1) self-efficacy for the practice of physical activity, lack of time, lack of will, lack of ability, self-concept of physical condition and physical self-concept of strength significantly predicted the level of practice of physical activity; (2) the level of physical activity mediates the relationship between sociocognitive variables and positive affectivity. It is possible to conclude that sociocognitive variables influence the levels of physical activity of university students and the latter influences their well-being.