Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy is a psychological concept that refers to an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments. It reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment. The concept was first introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura in 1977 as a core component of his social cognitive theory.

Definition

Self-efficacy is not about the skills one has but about the judgments of what one can do with whatever skills one possesses. It is the belief that one is capable of performing in a certain manner to attain certain goals. It is a belief that one has the capabilities to execute the courses of actions required to manage prospective situations. Unlike efficacy expectations, which are the beliefs that one can perform a certain action, outcome expectations are the beliefs that a certain action will lead to certain outcomes.

Sources of Self-Efficacy

Bandura identifies four major sources of self-efficacy:

1. Mastery Experiences: The most effective way of developing a strong sense of efficacy is through mastery experiences.
2. Social Modeling: Seeing people similar to oneself succeed by sustained effort raises observers' beliefs that they too possess the capabilities to master comparable activities required to succeed.
3. Social Persuasion: People who are persuaded verbally that they possess the capabilities to master given activities are likely to mobilize greater effort and sustain it than if they harbor self-doubts and dwell on personal deficiencies when problems arise.
4. Psychological Responses: People also rely partly on their somatic and emotional states in judging their capabilities. They interpret their stress reactions and tension as signs of vulnerability to poor performance.

Effects of Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy has effects in several areas:

1. Choice of Activities: People tend to avoid tasks where self-efficacy is low, but undertake tasks where self-efficacy is high.
2. Goal Setting: People with high self-efficacy set themselves challenging goals and maintain a strong commitment to them.
3. Effort and Persistence: High self-efficacy can lead to greater effort and persistence in the face of difficult tasks.
4. Thought Patterns and Responses: High self-efficacy can foster a positive outlook and more adaptive reactions to difficult situations.

Measurement

Self-efficacy beliefs are typically measured using self-report questionnaires. The most common scale is the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE).

See Also

• Self-esteem
• Self-concept
• Self-confidence
• Motivation
• Psychology