High self-confidence is crucial in social, work, and academic settings. Previous research suggests that individuals with greater confidence tend to be healthier and happier. (ŞAHİN et al., 2016).
PURPOSE: To investigate whether exercise intervention (resistance training (RT), aerobic training (AT), no exercise (NE)) could increase perceived confidence levels before an academic test. It was hypothesized that participants who exercised before the test would have higher perceived confidence levels compared to those who did not.
METHODS: Eastern Washington University students (n=18, 12 males), between the ages of 18-40 were recruited. Participants were randomized into one of the interventions (AT, RT, NE). After the exercise intervention was completed, perceived confidence was assessed using the Rosenberg Confidence Scale and then participants completed an academic test.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference in perceived confidence levels between the three groups (AT: 69.3 ± 6.22, RT: 68.3 ± 16.27, NE: 75 ± 10.94) (p=0.588).
CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of the study did not support the proposed hypothesis, however, this study was limited in its scope, and future research could explore the effects of regular exercise on perceived confidence levels in various settings