The Effect of Observational Learning on Self-Efficacy by Sport Competition Condition, Performance Level of Team Members, and Whether You Win or Lose

Abstract

This study examined the effect of athletes’ competition conditions, personal performance level, and attributions toward winning or losing on the relationship between observational learning (OL) and self-efficacy (SE) based on social cognitive theory and social comparison theory. Study 1 verified the validity and reliability of the Korean versions of the Functions of Observational Learning Questionnaire (FOLQ) and the SE Questionnaire. Study 2 investigated differences in the degree to which OL predicts SE in different pressure conditions and personal performance levels. The results showed that OL increased SE in high-performing athletes in high-pressure games and better predicted SE in low-performing athletes in low-pressure games. Study 3 tested the double-mediating effects of effect and OL on the effect of attributions about winning or losing on SE. The results showed that a stronger perception that the cause of winning was internal was associated with increased pride, OL, and SE.