Self Efficacy Theory

Page 1: Title Page

Behavior explained from a psychological basis with three common characteristics:
- Regulated psychically by the subconscious.
- Deviant behavior viewed as a symptom of disease or disorder.
- Changes in behavior occur through self-insight and analysis with a therapist.

A shift in understanding behavior emphasized:
- Behavior results from interplay between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors.
- Deviant behavior is not merely a symptom of disease or disorder.

Self-efficacy: Introduced by Bandura (1977)
- Refers to individuals’ perceptions about their abilities to engage in specific behaviors.
- A form of self-confidence that is situation-specific.

Self-efficacy is defined as an individual’s belief in their capabilities to successfully carry out actions to meet specific task demands - Albert Bandura.

Self-efficacy is related to confidence in ability to take action and persist despite challenges.

Key idea: People will only attempt tasks they believe they can accomplish.
- E.g. “I think I can, I think I can...”

Individuals with strong self-efficacy:
- See difficult tasks as challenges to master.
- Set goals and maintain commitment.
- Approach challenges with confidence.
- Exhibit lower levels of depression and stress.

Individuals with low self-efficacy:
- View difficult tasks as threats and may avoid them.
- Tend to give up when faced with failure.
- Quickly lose confidence in their abilities.
- Experience higher rates of depression and stress.

Four primary sources:
- Performance Outcomes:
  - Success or failure influences perceptions of competence.
  - Past performance history is key to self-efficacy levels.
- Verbal Persuasion:
  - Encouragement from others can bolster self-efficacy.
- Vicarious Experiences:
  - Observing others performing tasks can enhance or diminish self-efficacy.
- Physiological Feedback:
  - Physical and emotional reactions influence self-efficacy beliefs.

Previous successful experiences boost self-efficacy.
- Similarity between past and present tasks affects strength of self-efficacy.
Building self-efficacy requires:
- Trying new and challenging tasks.
- Overcoming obstacles.
- Persisting through difficult situations.

Learning through observing others (“modeling”).
- Success of similar others enhances self-efficacy.
- Failure of models can threaten self-efficacy.

Use of verbal/nonverbal communication to boost self-efficacy.
- Effectiveness increases when encouragement comes from knowledgeable sources.
- Discouragement can harm self-efficacy.

Physical and emotional states impacting self-efficacy:
- Negative feelings (fear, anxiety) can decrease self-efficacy.
- Positive feelings (joy, excitement) can enhance self-efficacy.

Key Components:
- Somatic/Emotional state
- Vicarious experiences
- Verbal persuasion
- Mastery experience

Purpose: Assess perceived self-efficacy related to daily hassles and adaptations to stress.
- Designed for adults and adolescents. Not suitable for children under 12.

Common statements include:
- "I can manage to solve difficult problems..."
- Rated on a scale from 1 = Not at all true to 4 = Exactly true.

The BARSE assesses perceived capabilities to exercise in the face of barriers over two months.
- Uses a 100-point percentage scale for confidence ratings.
- Scores calculated based on the total ratings.

Example barrier statements include:
- Weather conditions, boredom, lack of interest, pain, social factors, conflicts, self-consciousness.

Create a behavior you want to measure and develop 10 questions/statements based on the model.
- Consider potential barriers and include a measurement scale (e.g., Likert).