Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory
The concept of self efficacy is the focal point of Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory. By means of the self system, individuals exercise control over their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Among the beliefs with which an individual evaluates the control over his/her actions and environment, self-efficacy beliefs are the most influential predictor of human behavior. The level and strength of self-efficacy will determine:
• whether coping behavior will be initiated;
• how much effort will result;
• how long the effort will be sustained in the face of obstacles.
Self-Efficacy - the belief in one’s capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to produce given attainments- is constructed on the basis of:
Four most influential sources where self-efficacy is derived:
• Personal Performance - Accomplishments-previous successes or failures (most influential)
• Vicarious Experience - Watching others, modeling, mentoring
• Verbal Persuasion - Verbal encouragement or discouragement
• Physiological and Emotional Factors - Perceptions of stress reactions in the body
Self-Efficacy plays the central role in the cognitive regulation of motivation, because people regulate the level and distribution of effort they will expend in accordance with the effects they are expecting from their actions.
It is important to understand the distinction between Self Esteem and Self Efficacy.
• Self esteem relates to a person’s sense of self worth.
• Self efficacy relates to a person’s perception of their ability to reach a goal.