Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students

The purpose was to develop a motor competence self-efficacy scale for university students in various sports environments. The study encompassed a series of analytical steps, including (a) exploratory factor analysis (EFA), (b) confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), (c) reliability analysis, and (d) assessment of criterion validity. Using Sample 1 (n = 244), EFA was employed to explore the factorial structure. Then, CFA was completed with a new sample of 265 university students (Sample 2). Various fit indices, such as CFI, NNFI, and RMSEA, indicated that the two-factor structure (i.e., manipulative and non-manipulative skills) exhibited a good fit. In other words, the two-factor structure also demonstrated a moderate fit (NFI = .901, CFI = .913, RMSEA = .068). One-way MANOVA results revealed statistically significant differences among the exercise stages of change in self-efficacy for both manipulative and non-manipulative skills. In addition, multiple regression analyses showed that active participation in sports (self-report) and gender were significant predictors of both factors. BMI was found to be substantial for non-manipulative skills but not for manipulative skills. In conclusion, this self-efficacy scale provides reliable and valid scores for assessing motor competence self-efficacy among university students. Following additional validation studies, the Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale may serve as a valuable instrument for both instructors and researchers in assessing university students’ self-efficacy beliefs.