Bandura’s self efficacy theory

Self Efficacy Theory

A theory that explains an individual's belief in their own ability to change their behavior.

Mastery Experiences

Experiences of success that build self-belief and resilience; failures should be viewed as learning opportunities.

Vicarious Reinforcement

The influence of role models; individuals are likely to imitate behaviors reinforced in similar others.

Social Persuasion

Encouragement from respected individuals that can temporarily enhance a person's perceived ability to change.

Emotional State

Affects self-efficacy negatively when associated with stress, anxiety, and fear; improvements can increase self-efficacy.

Outcome Expectancy

An individual's assessment that a certain behavior will lead to a particular outcome.

High Self Efficacy

Helpful in behavioral change but can lead to over-confidence.

Key Influences on Self Efficacy

Mastery experiences, vicarious reinforcement, social persuasion, and emotional states.

Aim of Study on Self Efficacy

To show that self efficacy increases and avoidance decreases with reduction in anxiety through treatment.

Findings Post-Treatment

Self efficacy was high and positively correlated with more snake interactions and fewer avoidance behaviors.

Weakness of the Study

Anxiety was created by the treatment, which could be unethical and led to a small sample bias.

Strength of the Study

Highly standardized method and ethical exposure to anxiety by allowing participants control over their fear hierarchy.