Self-Efficacy Theory

Self efficacy (Bandura)

Individuals perceptions about their abilities to engage in specific behaviors

physiological state

rapid heart rate, pain, fatigue

People with strong self-efficacy

-Seek difficult tasks as challenges to be mastered - set goals and maintain strong commitment to attaining them -approach difficult situations with confidence - less prone to stress and depression

emotional state

-negative emotion can reduce self-efficacy -ex. fear, anxiety, stress when thinking about doing something leads to avoiding it= less self-efficacy -positive emotion can increase self-efficacy -ex. joy, excitement, peacefulness when thinking about doing something=increase self-efficacy

Concept of the theory

People will only try to do what they think they can do, and won't try what they think they can't do - how people behave can often be better predicted by the beliefs they hold about their capabilities than by what they are actually capable of accomplishing

Self efficacy defined

an individuals beliefs in his/her capabilities to successfully carry out a course of action to meet particular task demands - persons confidence in his or her ability to take action and to persist in that action despite obstacles or challenges

Weaknesses of theory

as general measure it does not tap specific behavior change - in most applications it is necessary to add a few items to cover the particular content of the survey or intervention

Performance outcomes

successfully doing something is a mastery experience that increases self-efficacy - self efficacy increases with positive past experiences - degree of similarity between previously experienced activity and current activity determine strength of self-efficacy

physiological feedback

the physical and/or emotional state that occurs when someone thinks about doing something that can increase or decrease self-efficacy

Verbal Persuasion

used by others to increase a person's self-efficacy -most effective when knowledgeable or significant other does the persuading -self efficacy can be threatened when people are discouraged by others

Vicarious experiences (learning)

viewing the performance f a behavior by another individual -learning by watching someone similar to yourself be successful increases self efficacy -watching someone fail= threatens self-efficacy

Early theories explained behavior from a psychological basis and had three common characteristics

- behavior is regulated psychically by the sub conscience - behavior deviating from the norm is a symptom of disease or disorder - behavior changes by self insight through analysis with a therapist

Strengths of theory

- measure used internationally with success for two decades - suitable for a broad range of applications - can also be taken to predict adaptation after life changes but it is also suitable indicator of quality of life at any point in time

Constructs

-Performance Outcomes -Vicarious learning - Verbal Persuasion - Physiological feedback

People with low self efficacy

-see difficult tasks as threats and avoid them -give up in the face of failure -quickly lose faith in their ability -are more prone to depression and stress