The Impact of Strength Training on the Self-Efficacy of Middle School Football Players
Date of Award
Winter 1-20-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (EdD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The research examined whether strength training had an effect on the self-efficacy of middle school football players. The population of participants included 30 male middle school football players, all of whom were enrolled into weight training class. Self-efficacy data was collected using the Athlete Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) created by Kocak (2020). Performance metrics were collected using Bigger, Faster, Stronger, which has helped hundreds of teams win championships (Shephard, 2004). Moreover, 1RM data was analyzed using the bench press, squat, and powerclean. ASES and 1RM scores were inserted into a repeated measure ANOVA, which illustrated significant mean increases in strength and self-efficacy (p<=0.01). Furthermore, Pearson's correlation coefficients showed a positive correlation between strength and self-efficacy over time, suggesting that improvements in explosive strength were particularly influential in boosting self-efficacy. Moreover, qualitative interviews were used to provide depth to the quantitative results. Despite the positive association between strength training and self-efficacy, several limitations were discussed that may have affected the results of the study. To further examine the long term effect that strength training has on self-efficacy, future research should consider utilizing a longitudinal study design for male and female athletes.