self efficacy theory

Question 1

self-efficacy

Answer 1

• a person’s self-confidence in being able to do something
• such confidence generates expectations and these act as self-fulfilling prophecies

Question 2

mastery experiences

Answer 2

• the more positive experiences we have, the higher self-efficacy
• the more failures we have, the lower self-efficacy

Question 3

vicarious influences

Answer 3

• self-efficacy is affected by observing another person
• observing a person being successful increases self-efficacy (and vice versa)

Question 4

social persuasion influences

Answer 4

• encouragement and discouragement from others can have a profound impact on self-efficacy
• less influential than mastery and vicarious experiences, but is easier to provide
• effects depend on the credibility of the persuader

Question 5

emotional influences

Answer 5

• self-efficacy is influenced by the person’s emotional state
• stress, anxiety and fear can all reduce self-efficacy

Question 6

strength

Answer 6

• the theory offers several strategies that interventions can use to produce behaviour change

Question 7

weakness

Answer 7

• it assumes that high self-efficacy is universally a positive thing, but there is evidence that it can backfire (Vancouver et al 2002)