The Claim
Male participants exhibit higher baseline self-confidence than female participants during high-intensity anaerobic testing, regardless of verbal encouragement condition.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
During high-intensity anaerobic testing, men report higher self-confidence than women before the test begins, even when no verbal encouragement is given.
See the scientific wording
Male participants report higher baseline self-confidence than female participants during high-intensity anaerobic testing, independent of verbal encouragement condition, suggesting sex-based differences in pre-exercise psychological state.
Men have higher baseline levels of testosterone and lower baseline activity in stress-response brain regions, which makes them feel more confident before intense physical effort. Women have higher baseline activity in these stress regions and lower testosterone, which reduces their sense of confidence before the same effort.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: The Effect of Verbal Encouragement with Swearing on High Intensity Exercise Performance
Even though the study used different types of encouragement, it still found that before the intense exercise started, men felt more confident than women—just like the claim says.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.