Construct validity of the physical Self-Efficacy Scale for a black sample: implications for health educators

Principal components factor analysis of the Physical Self-efficacy Scale and measures of cardiorespiratory function, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, and a rating of perceived health were calculated for a sample of 138 black undergraduates. Physical Self-efficacy Scale scores were organized into a factor that represented outcomes of fitness in support of the construct validity of the test. Additional evidence of validity was found in application of multiple regression analysis which indicated that nondominant hand-grip strength and sit and reach were significant physical predictors of efficacy scores. We discuss implications of this research for health educators.