Research Article

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

Volume: 17 Number: 1 April 30, 2026

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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

References

  1. Adank, A. M., HH Van Kann, D., A A Hoeboer, J. J., I. de Vries, S., PJ Kremers, S., & B. Vos, S. (2018). Investigating motor competence in association with sedentary behavior and physical activity in 7-to 11-year-old children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(11), 2470. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112470
  2. Bakalár, P., Kopčáková, J., & Madarasová Gecková, A. (2019). Association between potential parental and peers' correlates and physical activity recommendations compliance among 13-16 years old adolescents. Acta Gymnica, 49(1), 16-24.
  3. Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall
  4. Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy. In V. S. Ramachaudran (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human behavior (Vol. 4, pp. 71-81). New York: Academic Press. (Reprinted in H. Friedman [Ed.], Encyclopedia of mental health. San Diego: Academic Press, 1998).
  5. Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercises of control. New York: W. H. Freeman and company
  6. Barnett, L. M., Ridgers, N. D., Zask, A., & Salmon, J. (2015). Face validity and reliability of a pictorial instrument for assessing fundamental movement skill perceived competence in young children. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18(1), 98-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.12.004.
  7. Beatty, P. C., & Willis, G. B. (2007). Research synthesis: The practice of cognitive interviewing. Public Opinion Quarterly, 71(2), 287-311. https://doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfm006.
  8. Browne, M. W., & Cudeck, R. (1993). Alternative ways of assessing model fit. In K. A. Bollen & J. S. Long (Eds.), Testing structural equation models (pp. 136–162). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physical Activity and Health, Movement Education in Sports Science

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

March 7, 2026

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

March 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: 1

APA
Taş, H., & Çapa-aydın, Y. (2026). Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 17(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1653334
AMA
1.Taş H, Çapa-aydın Y. Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026;17(1):1-22. doi:10.54141/psbd.1653334
Chicago
Taş, Hakan, and Yeşim Çapa-aydın. 2026. “Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 17 (1): 1-22. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1653334.
EndNote
Taş H, Çapa-aydın Y (April 1, 2026) Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 17 1 1–22.
IEEE
[1]H. Taş and Y. Çapa-aydın, “Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students”, Pamukkale J Sport Sci, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 1–22, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.54141/psbd.1653334.
ISNAD
Taş, Hakan - Çapa-aydın, Yeşim. “Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 17/1 (April 1, 2026): 1-22. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1653334.
JAMA
1.Taş H, Çapa-aydın Y. Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026;17:1–22.
MLA
Taş, Hakan, and Yeşim Çapa-aydın. “Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, vol. 17, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 1-22, doi:10.54141/psbd.1653334.
Vancouver
1.Hakan Taş, Yeşim Çapa-aydın. Development and Validation of a Motor Competence Self-Efficacy Scale for University Students. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2026 Apr. 1;17(1):1-22. doi:10.54141/psbd.1653334