This dissertation examined how the tripartite efficacy model might be applied in personal trainer-client relationships across two studies to understand how confidence beliefs are developed in close relationships. The tripartite efficacy model supposes that relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE) and other-efficacy provide additional information in the development of self-efficacy beliefs in social situations. RISE and other efficacy are hypothesized to be influential for outcomes for the development of self-efficacy beliefs and also other relational and behavioral outcomes. There is evidence in some physical activity contexts that these relational efficacy beliefs are vital in the development of self-efficacy beliefs, as well as some relational and behavioral outcomes. However, there is a lack of research examining the tripartite efficacy framework with ties to specific relational and behavioral outcomes that would be of interest in personal trainer-client relationships. Study 1 examined whether tripartite efficacy model would be supported in the personal training-client relationship and whether the tripartite efficacy constructs have connections to relational outcomes. Also, Study 1 examined perceptions of trust as a common antecedent of both RISE and other-efficacy Adult clients who were actively working with a personal trainer were recruited to take a one -time survey. The results support that both RISE and other-efficacy were significant predictors of self-efficacy beliefs. The core tripartite model was supported with self-efficacy beliefs being explained by RISE and other-efficacy. Trust positively predicted RISE and other efficacy. Other-efficacy and RISE each had ties to specific components of the personal trainer-client relationship. Study 2 examined the core tripartite efficacy model again, but with behavioral outcomes in the model. Community adults were asked to take a survey at two times, 1 week apart. Consistent with previous research and Study 1, RISE and other-efficacy positively predicted self-efficacy perceptions. Other-efficacy and self-efficacy had a significant positive direct effect on effort in sessions, but neither other-efficacy, self-efficacy, or RISE predicted total physical activity. The two studies together provide support for the tripartite efficacy model aiding in the development of self-efficacy beliefs in adults working with a personal trainer.
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