Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale

What it measures

Measures confidence in one's ability to exercise regularly under challenging circumstances — bad weather, fatigue, stress, and competing demands. Exercise self-efficacy is one of the most powerful predictors of exercise initiation, maintenance, and return after interruption. Based on Bandura's social cognitive theory.

Response format

Percent confidence (0–100%) across varying exercise intensities and frequencies

Representative items

• I can exercise 3 times per week even if I feel tired after work.
• I can exercise 3 times per week even if I am under a lot of stress.
• I can exercise 3 times per week even if I feel discomfort when exercising.
• I can exercise 3 times per week even if the weather is bad.
• I can exercise 3 times per week even if I have to exercise alone.

Usage notes & scoring

Score = mean confidence (0–100). Higher = greater self-efficacy. Exercise self-efficacy is domain-specific and predicts exercise behaviour better than general self-efficacy. A key target for exercise behaviour change interventions.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.

Keywords