Exercise Self-Efficacy

Background Physical inactivity is known to rank fourth among modifiable mortality risk factors globally and plays a central role in the etiology of noncommunicable diseases. In the context of physical activity, self-efficacy is a multidimensional construct, primarily divided into task self-efficacy and barrier self-efficacy. While task self-efficacy is crucial for initiating physical activity, barrier self-efficacy-the individual's belief in their capability to maintain exercise in the face of various physical, social, or psychological obstacles-is essential for long-term adherence. The Barrier-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale (BARSE), developed by McAuley et al., is specifically designed to measure this barrier self-efficacy dimension. A comprehensive literature review revealed no published Turkish validity and reliability study of the BARSE. Signed permission has been obtained from the original author to conduct this cultural adaptation. Objectives The primary aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the BARSE among healthy young adults, thereby contributing a standardized, culturally adapted instrument to the scientific community. Study Design and Procedures This methodological study will conduct at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, between September-October 2026 with an enrollment of 133 healthy adult participants. The BARSE is a unidimensional scale consisting of 13 items. Participants are asked to rate their confidence in continuing to exercise under various challenging situations on a scale from 0% (not at all confident) to 100% (highly confident) in 10% increments. To establish construct validity and examine related health behaviors, participants will also complete several standardized tools: the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale (SRAHP), the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS), the Self-Perceived Barriers for Physical Activity Questionnaire (SPBPA), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Statistical Analysis The language adaptation will conduct using the standard translation and back-translation method. Content validity will be evaluated using the Davis technique. Construct validity will be assessed through factor analysis and correlation coefficients. For reliability analyses, the scales will be administered twice with a 15-day interval. Reliability will be determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, corrected item-total correlations, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Potential differences between test and retest measurements will be evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.