The role of self-efficacy in shaping physical activity and mental health among middle-aged and older Asian immigrants in the United States

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among self-efficacy for leisure time physical activity (LTPA), participation in LTPA, acculturative stress, and mental health among middle-aged and older Asian immigrants. An online survey was conducted using Qualtrics, a web-based survey software, to collect cross-sectional data from East Asian immigrants (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) living permanently in the United States. Using AMOS version 28, a path analysis was conducted to measure model fit. The results indicated that LTPA self-efficacy was significantly associated with LTPA (b = 0.27, P<0.05), acculturative stress (b = -0.19, P<0.05), and mental health (b = -0.13, P<0.05). The results also showed that LTPA was significantly related to acculturative stress (b = -0.08, P< 0.05) but not to mental health (b = - 0.01, P >0.05). The present study expands existing knowledge by identifying the role that LTPA self-efficacy plays in facilitating LTPA behavior and coping with culture-related stressors among aging and aged immigrants. Based on the findings, this study suggests that healthcare providers and activity professionals develop interventions and programs aimed at improving LTPA self-efficacy to facilitate LTPA and reduce culture-related stressors.