Fig. 1

Descriptive parallel mediation model with indirect and direct pathways of exercise stereotypes dimensions on physical activity with perceived physical fatigue and exercise self-efficacy as mediators. Notes: N = 305; Benefits: exercise benefits stereotypes (IV); Capacities: lack of capacity for exercise stereotypes (IV); Risks: exercise risks stereotypes (IV); Exercise self-efficacy (mediator); Perceived fatigue (mediator); Physical activity (DV); a path: relationship between the independent variables and each mediator; b path: relationship between each mediator and the dependent variable; c path: relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable (direct pathway); c' path: relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable controlling for the mediators (indirect pathway)