Meeting the challenge: An explanatory study of the transformations in self-efficacy and learning orientations of first-time marathoners.

摘要

This mixed method study examines the non-physical changes that first-time marathoners experience. Changes in general self-efficacy (Bandura & Adams, 1977; Sherer, Maddux, Mercandante, Prentice-Dunn, Jacobs, & Rogers, 1982) and goal orientation (Button, Mathieu, & Zajac, 1996) were measured using Sherer's General Self Efficacy scale and Button et al.'s goal orientation instrument. Learning transformations (Boyd, 1991; Mezirow, 1995; Mezirow & Marsick, 1978) were explored through semi-structured interviews.; In the quantitative portion of the study, participants completed a pre-survey within two weeks of registering for their first marathon; a post-survey was completed two to three weeks after the completion of the marathon. One-hundred ninety-three individuals completed the pre-survey. Of the 104 participants whose marathon dates had passed at the time the post-survey was administered, 79 completed the post-survey. Participant selection for interviews was conducted to ensure that the broadest personal characteristics were considered. A total of 21 interviews were conducted.; Based on this study, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) changes in self-efficacy between the time of commitment to a new task and the time the new task is completed are minimal; (2) planning is important to increased self-efficacy; (3) personal forgiveness is important to increased self-efficacy; and (4) emergent transformative learning is general. Further, this study revealed the longitudinal nature of changes in self-efficacy and goal orientation in which the greatest changes occur before a commitment to a challenge is made. Future research could further explore this longitudinal aspect of self-efficacy.