Exploration of Efficacy Beliefs and Presentational Concerns Among Performing Dyads

This study examined the relationships between performance and appraisals of efficacy beliefs and presentational concerns within performing dyads. The expansion of a performing unit from one to two athletes is reflected in a structure of cognitions expanding to appraisals about oneself as well one's partner. Self-efficacy, other-efficacy, and collective efficacy were examined. While evidence for self-efficacy and collective efficacy have been supported in sport psychology research, other-efficacy (Lent & Lopez, 2002), the belief in a partner's ability, has recently been examined. Self-presentation, other-presentation, and collective presentation were also assessed in a similar relational structure. Sixty-six cheerleading (male-female) dyads completed questionnaires appraising the dyad's ability and individuals within the dyad to perform. Performance by each individual and the dyad unit were assessed by four judges. Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIM; Kenny et al., 2006) were used to model the interdependence and mutual influence among the partners. Interaction effects were significant for the actor's self-efficacy and actor's collective efficacy. That is, dependent on position (male base or female flyer) one's self-efficacy and collective efficacy were significantly related to one's own performance. This evidence along with correlational findings were in support of the importance of relational cognitions between partners and the importance of recognizing the relationship between two athletes.