Abstract:
University female students face numerous challenges, including depression,
low self-efficacy, social anxiety, and a lack of self-identity due to high demand
they face. Therefore, their engagement in soccer represents an excellent
setting for their health and positive well-being. This study investigated the
influence of self-efficacy on female students' soccer engagement in Tanzanian
Universities. The study aimed at identifying the motivating factors, determining
the perceived self-efficacy levels among female students soccer players, and
examining the extent to which self-efficacy predicts female students' soccer
participation. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study adopted a
descriptive research design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative
approaches to collect data from 111 respondents from 49 Higher Learning
Institutions in Tanzania. Both correlation, regression and content analysis were
used to analyse data. The findings indicated that the high possibility of being
physically fit was the main reason for female students’ engagement in soccer,
believing that their active participation in soccer could increase their self
confidence. The study further found a positive relationship between self
efficacy and female students' engagement in soccer games, indicating
moderate levels of self-efficacy among respondents. The findings from this
study have the potential to address the numerous life challenges faced by girls
and women, which hinder their full potential achievement in sports.
