THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of self-efficacy as a mediator between social support and physical activity participation of students. Research method was correlation that was collected through field method. The population of the study was students of Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran. The sample was consisted of 349 students who were available sampling selected. Collection data were conducted through personal information, physical activity participation, social support (Sallis et al., 1987) and self-efficacy (Sherer et al., 1982) questionnaires. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between social support and self-efficiency with physical activity participation (r=0.73, r=0.65, P≤0.01). Research model was fit. Self-efficacy was moderated the relation between social support with physical activity participation. According to the study, these variables are factors that can increase participation in physical activity student’s. Therefore; it is recommended that the University sports managers and sports officials take the necessary steps to increase the social support and self-efficacy of the students to increase their participation in physical activities.