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This study examined the predictive utility of self efficacy and three types of outcome expectations (physical outcomes, social outcomes, and self-evaluative outcomes) on students' behavioral intentions and actual behaviors in a beginning weight training class. A total of 137 participants (62 men, 75 women: [M.sub.age]-21.4 yr., SD=2.0) completed questionnaires assessing beliefs and intentions toward weight training. Attendance and workout log entries were used as a measure of actual behaviors. Regression analyses indicated that physical outcome expectations and self-efficacy emerged as significant predictors of students' behavioral intentions and actual behaviors. Findings of this study were interpreted from self-efficacy theory.

Responses to life stressors are associated with negative behaviors that may increase risk for illness and injury. The effect of high intensity exercise in reducing reactivity to psychological stress has been well documented among older people. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of weight-training versus aerobic dance on psychological stress in college students. 45 students participated in a weight-training course, 35 students participated in aerobic dance classes, and 34 students served as a control group. The Survey of Recent Life Experiences was used to appraise stressfulness of current experiences before and after exercise intervention. On immediate retest after 8 wk. of weight-training perceived stress was significantly reduced when compared with an 8-wk. aerobic dance program, but there were no significant differences between the control group and the weight-training group or the aerobic dance group. These results suggest that a regular routine of low intensity exercise such as weight-training may reduce perceived stress on an immediate test.

Students (39 men and 27 women) from a southern university, who were enrolled in a 14-wk. introductory weight-training course, were administered a 20-item body-image questionnaire and subsequently underwent skinfold measurements to assess percent body fat. Mean scores were correlated with percent body fat. For men, women, and both sexes combined correlations were significant and inverse (rs = -.68, -.41, -.66, respectively). Body image as measured was inversely related to percent body fat among these college students. Researchers should examine how dietary and exercise-induced changes in adiposity (pre-post design) influence scores on body image.

This study empirically assessed the effect weight training has on the accuracy of free-throw shots immediately following a weight-training session. On alternating days of the week for eight weeks, 14 members of a women's varsity intercollegiate basketball team engaged in a weight-training program and an aerobics exercise program. Each day immediately following the conditioning, the players shot two sets of 10 free throws. Analysis indicated no significant difference in free-throw shooting accuracy as a function of weight training when compared to the aerobic exercise, suggesting that the immediate effects of weight training are no more detrimental or beneficial for free-throw shooting than aerobic exercise.

27 college students participated in an advanced weight-training course while a control group of 30 completed a physical education major theory course. Both groups were administered the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Secord and Jourard Body-cathexis Scale prior to and at the conclusion of a 16-wk. field experiment. The weight-training subjects had significantly higher self-esteem and body-cathexis scores than the control group which were attributed, in part, to significant improvement in their body composition, maximal strength, and strength endurance scores. These data support the contention that global self-esteem is a multidimensional construct responsive to positive changes in the physical self.

Research examining the relationship between beta-endorphin immunoreactivity and affect has resulted in equivocal findings. To examine this relationship further, 10 male and 10 female college-age students participated in a controlled free-weight exercise session. Blood plasma samples were procured both prior to and following the exercise bout and beta-endorphin levels were determined by immunoassay. Analysis indicated that plasma beta-endorphin levels following exercise were significantly decreased from pre-exercise levels. Pearson correlations showed no significant relationship between pre- or postexercise plasma beta-endorphins and either total mood disturbance or Profile of Mood States subscores. The data support previous failure of resistance exercise to produce an increase in beta-endorphin immunoreactivity as well as the lack of a significant relationship between affect and the beta-endorphin response to exercise.

The present study investigated strength gains and change in self-concept and locus of control related to participation in a weight-training program. 37 college football players were administered Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale and Gough and Heilbrun's Adjective Check List prior to and immediately following their participation in a 14-wk. weight-training program. While participants who scored high on the Femininity scale and high on externality on the I-E scale achieved greater gains on some of the strength measures, for the most part I-E and Adjective Check List scores did not predict strength changes. A positive correlation was found between change in total strength and change in score on the Self-confidence scale. Regardless of change in strength, subjects showed an increase in scores on the Order scale from pretest to posttest. The need for further research on the relationships between participation in a weight-training program, gains in strength and self-concept is discussed.