Self-Efficacy, Self-Confidence, and Physical Appearance in Relation to the Activities Performed by Adolescents

Purpose: The primary objective of this investigation was to scrutinize the psychological determinants that play a role in shaping the physical activity patterns of adolescents at the age of 15. These psychological factors under examination encompassed self-efficacy, physical selfconfidence, and physical appearance. Methodology: The study cohort consisted of 2277 adolescents, all aged 15, comprising 1086 boys and 1191 girls. An assortment of carefully chosen inquiries and measurement scales were sourced from the internationally recognized standard questionnaire developed by the HBSC initiative. The toolkit incorporated the utilization of the General Self-Efficacy Scale as well as the specialized Physical Appearance Subscale, collectively facilitating a nuanced exploration into various dimensions of physical activity engagement, selfefficacy beliefs, and subjective evaluations of bodily attributes. Findings: The study unveiled that a considerable proportion of the 15-year-old populace in India fell short of attaining an adequate level of physical activity. Remarkably, self-efficacy, physical appearance, and self-confidence concerning both mass and body appearance emerged as significant predictors of the observed physical activity patterns. Furthermore, the gender factor was identified as introducing a nuanced variation in the predictive roles of these factors. Implications: Evidently, psychological variables can wield a predictive influence over the physical activity trends displayed by adolescents at the age of 15. This exploration underscores the intricate interplay between psychological aspects and physical activity, suggesting a potentially pivotal avenue for tailored interventions and strategies aimed at promoting healthier activity levels among this specific demographic.