Self-efficacy, or the degree to which one believes they
have the capacity to make changes in difficult
situations, can influence motivation.63 Self-efficacy
in the TTM has 2 distinct but related components:
confidence to make and sustain changes and temptation
to relapse to an earlier stage. Like decision
balance, levels of self-efficacy differ systematically across the stages of change, with those further along
in the stages generally experiencing greater confidence.
Self-efficacy has consistently been found to
be an important correlate of physical activity.55,64
To increase self-efficacy, women are encouraged to
set realistic goals, take small steps, and use stageappropriate
strategies.