Calabro, M. A., Waldron, J. J., Welk, G. J., Ihmels, M., & Cobby, R. (2005). Relationships between self-efficacy, perceived competence, and gross motor skills in children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 943.

Ss were aged between 8 and 11 years (M = 15; F = 15). The Test of Gross Motor Development was administered to each S. Psychological factors (self-efficacy, perceived competence, sources of competence) were measured using appropriate tools.

Correlations between self-efficacy and perceived competence were moderate for boys but low and negative for girls. Both factors were moderately correlated with the Gross Motor Quotient in boys but only self-efficacy was related in girls. Correlations between subscales (peer acceptance, internal standards, and social evaluation) of the Sources of Competence Information Scale were different between boys and girls.

Implication Self-efficacy and perceptions of confidence are related among boys but are independent in girls. Boys' perceptions appear to be related to the actual level of motor skills.

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