Predicting Athletic Success Perception based on Body Image and Self-Efficacy in Physical Education Students: The Mediating Role of Achievement Motivation

The aim of this study was to predict athletic success perception among physical education students by examining the role of body image and self-efficacy, with the mediating effect of achievement motivation. The research method was descriptive and correlational, utilizing path analysis. The statistical population consisted of male and female physical education students at universities in South Khorasan province, Iran in 2022. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select 311 students who completed the research questionnaires. The Perception of Success Questionnaire (POSQ), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ) were used to collect data. The confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis were conducted using SPSS24 and Amos24 software. The results revealed that body image and self-efficacy had a positive direct effect on athletic success perception. Moreover, body image and self-efficacy had an indirect effect on athletic success perception through achievement motivation. Therefore, emphasizing these constructs is crucial for athletes’ success.