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(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.