Psychophysiological comparison of self-efficacy and resting heart rate

This study was used to assess the premise that lower resting heart rates should be associated with higher scores on self-efficacy for exercisers. A total of 64 participants, 29 men and 35 women ranging in age from 18 to 38 years old (M = 23.22, SD = 4.19), currently participating in an exercise program at a fitness center, were assessed using the Exercise Specific Self-efficacy Scale to measure general individual self-efficacy, along with obtaining resting heart rates. Participants were separated into three different groups based on individual resting heart-rate values. Results for a 2 (sex) by 3 (heart rate) two-way analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in self-efficacy scores (F(2,58) = 3.24, p<.05) among the three groups. No interaction or main effect for sex was found.