Physical fitness as a function of psychological and situational factors.

The association between personality variables suggested by Rotter's social learning theory and indices of physical fitness was examined in a sample of U.S. college students. As predicted, both higher value placed on physical fitness and greater internal locus of control were related to selected indicators of physical fitness. In addition, gender of administrator affected performance on certain measures of physical fitness. The results suggest the need for longitudinal studies to evaluate the role of physical activity in mediating the relationship between personality variables and physical fitness.