How to create a strong self-efficacy? Durability and impact on physical performance from a persuasion approach

From a persuasion approach, the present research examined whether self-efficacy (SE) beliefs changed via a high-elaboration process were durable in an academic setting (Study 1), and influential on behavior (i.e., physical performance) in a sports setting (Study 2). Specifically, these effects on the strength of SE beliefs were examined through the most recently proposed high-elaboration process (i.e., self-validation). In both studies, the SE thought was manipulated (i.e., high vs. low), and the perceived validity of thought was measured (as a continuous predictor). Next, participants completed a SE beliefs measure. Moreover, in Study 1, participants were asked to come to a second session (exactly, seven days later), and SE beliefs were again measured. In Study 2, physical performance was assessed in a pull-up test. We hypothesized and found that the effects of the SE thought (i.e., high vs. low) on SE beliefs were larger the greater the perceived validity of thought. Most importantly, these effects were durable, and predictive of physical performance, with SE beliefs being the mediator for the effects on physical performance (Study 2).