Relationship between self-efficacy and changes in rated tension and depression for 9- to 12-yr.-old children enrolled in a 12-wk. after-school physical activity program.

28 girls and 26 boys (93% African American) ages 9 to 12 years were enrolled in an after-school physical activity program for 12 wk. and completed measures of exercise self-efficacy, tension, and depression. Significant negative correlations were found between changes in ratings on Exercise Self-efficacy Scale for Children scores and Profile of Mood States Tension (r =-.44) and Depression (r =-.33) over 12 wk., indicating that as rated exercise Self-efficacy increased, rated Tension and Depression tended to decrease. Findings are consistent with behavioral explanations of the relationship between exercise and mood changes. Caution is appropriate as there was no control group, and familiarity might be an explanation of the findings.