The relationship between self-reported physical activity level and physical activity self-efficacy among undergraduates in a private university

Authors

  • Eng Hoe Wee SEGi University image/svg+xml , SEGi University, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Tarsame Singh Masa Singh SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
  • Juan Juan Qin Xi'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
  • Hancheng Chen Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
  • Zheng Chen Xi'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/cwkt4a43

Keywords:

Physical Activity Self-efficacy (PASE), PA index, Physical Activity Level (PAL), Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA)

Abstract

Physical inactivity among undergraduates has become a much debate health and well-being issues. In recognizing physical activity self-efficacy (PASE) as a crucial influencing factor for physical activity (PA) behaviour, this study explores the relationship between PASE and physical activity level (PAL) among undergraduates. Overall, 317 undergraduates (mean Age = 20.82+1.86 years) completed PASE Scale, and Physical Activity Index which measured PAL. PASE scores ranged from 8 to 40, with a mean of 23.94 (±6.22), indicating low to average levels SE. In terms of PAL, 57.4% of the participants only achieved fair to need improvement levels indicating insufficient physical activity. PAL was lowly correlated with PASE (0.333, p=0.01). Research findings stress that self-efficacy as an essential variable to enhance PA and overall well-being among undergraduates. Enhancing self-efficacy could be used as a strategy to improve PAL as well as promoting undergraduates’ healthy lifestyle and well-being.

Author Biographies

  • Tarsame Singh Masa Singh, SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

    Senior Lecturer, Postgraduate Department.

  • Juan Juan Qin, Xi'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

    PhD student, Postgraduate Department

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Published

2026-09-15

How to Cite

Wee, E. H., Masa Singh, T. S., Qin, J. J., Chen, H., & Chen, Z. (2026). The relationship between self-reported physical activity level and physical activity self-efficacy among undergraduates in a private university. Malaysian Journal of Sport Science and Recreation, 22(2), 165-179. https://doi.org/10.24191/cwkt4a43