Nutritional evaluation of junior football players depending on the global level of self efficacy of the athletes

In this 2013 study, a group of junior football players were asked how often they eat certain food items and were examined on their self-efficacy. The plan was to determine if there is a correlation between the young athletes’ self-efficacy and the frequency at which they consume specific food items. Just over 55% of the study participants reported moderate self-efficacy, while just below 45% were found to have high self-efficacy. Higher self-efficacy was related to more regular intake of whole wheat bread, brown rice, high-fat cottage cheese, and butter. Those who ate poultry meat, and olive and plant oils less frequently were more likely to have higher self-efficacy. When directly comparing athletes with high self-efficacy to athletes with moderate self-efficacy, those with higher self-efficacy selected whole wheat bread, brown and white rice, fruits, low-fat milk, high-fat cottage cheese, butter, and sweetened fizzy drinks more frequently. This subgroup of athletes with high self-efficacy also consumed poultry meat, pastries, and sweets less often than those with moderate self-efficacy. Based on these results, this study concludes that high self-efficacy promotes more balanced nutritional choices. [NPID: nutrition, athletes, sports psychology, football players, self-efficacy, nutritional choices, diet]

Year: 2013

Reference: Gacek M. (2015). Association between self-efficacy and dietary behaviours of American football players in the Polish Clubs in the light of dietary recommendations for athletes. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, 66(4), 361–366.