(514) Self-Efficacy, Locus of Control, and Self-Perception (Intro Psych Tutorial #146)
Self-Efficacy
Concept Origin: Developed by Albert Bandura; relates to assertions made in earlier discussions about reciprocal determinism.
Definition: Self-efficacy is the belief in one's capabilities to perform the necessary actions to achieve a desired goal.
Also known as "efficacy expectancy."
Example: Feeling competent in completing specific tasks, which promotes motivation and resilience.
Influence of Self-Efficacy on Behavior
Perceptions of capability influence:
Individuals may feel incapable of certain actions (e.g., speaking in public).
This self-perception shapes the environments they engage with and their interpretations of their experiences.
Example Scenario:
A person who avoids public interactions may believe, "I can't talk to strangers," leading to negative interpretations like, "I didn't talk to anyone; it was a disaster."
Intervention and Change
Potential for Transformation:
By challenging self-efficacy beliefs, individuals can gradually improve their social skills.
Example process: Encouraging someone to engage one-on-one can lead to the realization of their capability.
Positive outcomes can encourage further social interactions, reinforcing self-efficacy.
Locus of Control
Definition: A psychological concept developed by Julian Rotter, describing how individuals attribute the causes of their outcomes.
Internal Locus of Control: Believing one has the power to influence events.
External Locus of Control: Believing outcomes are determined by external factors (fate, other people).
Example:
Student's reaction to a poor test score:
Internal: "I didn't study enough."
External: "The teacher is unfair; it isn't my fault."
Importance of Internal Locus of Control:
Promotes personal accountability and motivation to change behavior in the face of failures.
Self-Perception Theory
Concept Origin: Developed by Daryl Bem; emphasizes observation of one's behavior as a means to understand self-perception.
Process:
Behavior influences self-interpretation rather than just thoughts driving actions.
Example: A previously shy individual may discover their capability through unique social interactions, leading to positive self-reflection and growth.
Outcome:
Observing oneself succeeding can shift self-identity, promoting confidence and openness to future social situations.
Self-Esteem
Definition: Self-esteem represents a positive or negative assessment of the self, playing a prominent role in psychological discourse.
Common Misconception:
High self-esteem is often equated with positive life outcomes; however, it might not directly contribute to effective behavioral change.
Shift in Focus:
Greater emphasis should be placed on fostering self-efficacy, locus of control, and self-perception to encourage meaningful transformations in behavior, rather than solely increasing self-esteem.