Abstract:
Research has shown a consistent correlation between efficacy and sport performance
(Moritz, et aI., 2000). This relationship has been shown to be dynamic and reciprocal
over seasons (e.g., Myers, Payment, et aI., 2004), within games (e.g., Butt, et aI., 2003),
and across trials (e.g., Feltz, 1982). The purpose of the present study was to examine selfefficacy and performance simultaneously within one continuous routine. Forty-seven
undergraduate students performed a gymnastic sequence while using an efficacy measure.
Results indicated that the efficacy-performance relationship was not reciprocal; previous
performance was a significant predictor of subsequent performance (p < .01; f3s ranged
from .44 to .67). Results further revealed significant differences in efficacy beliefs
between groups with high and low levels of performance [F (1,571) = 7.16,p < .01].
Findings suggest that high levels of performance within a continuous physical activity
task result in higher performance scores and higher efficacy beliefs.
