Abstract
ABSTRACT
Importance
Physical fitness and self‐efficacy are recognized as determinants of adolescent health. However, their potential bidirectional associations remain unclear. Understanding this relationship may support the development of integrated physical and psychological health interventions in adolescence.
Objective
To examine the bidirectional association between physical fitness and self‐efficacy in Spanish adolescents.
Methods
This cross‐sectional study used secondary data from the Eating Habits and Daily Living Activities (EHDLA) study, which included 618 adolescents (43.5% boys; aged 12–17 years) from the Region of Murcia, Spain. Physical fitness, including flexibility, speed‐agility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness, was assessed using the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and Fitness battery. Self‐efficacy was measured using the Spanish version of the General Self‐efficacy Scale. Associations were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficients and robust generalized linear models adjusted for relevant covariates.
Results
Significant but weak bidirectional associations were observed between self‐efficacy and several components of physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, lower‐body muscular fitness, and speed‐agility (all
P
Interpretation
These findings suggest a bidirectional association between self‐efficacy and physical fitness in adolescents, especially for cardiorespiratory fitness, lower‐body muscular fitness, and speed‐agility. Interventions targeting either physical or psychological factors may generate reciprocal benefits, highlighting the importance of integrated strategies for promoting adolescent health.