Concepts are defined as “a word or phrase that
summarizes ideas, observations and experiences.
They are tools that provide mental images that can
facilitate communication about and understanding
of phenomena” (Fawcett, 2005, p. 4). Concept development
is crucial to the overall process of knowledge
development in nursing. The naming and explication
of concepts influence what people notice and think
(Meleis, 2007). Concept analysis is a strategy to further
develop previously defined concepts and “advance
them to the next level of development” (Meleis, 2007,
p. 169). The analysis helps to identify the meaning of
the concept and to elucidate the ambiguity surrounding
it (Rodgers, 1989). The goal of this process is to provide
a comprehensible meaning of the concept for future
use in the practice or research field (Meleis). This article
will provide an in-depth analysis of the concept
self-efficacy through the use of Rodger’s model. Selfefficacy
is defined, surrogate terms are acknowledged,
and attributes are identified. The antecedents and
consequences of self-efficacy are recognized and related
terms are described. A model case of the concept is
discussed and the implication for nursing practice,
leadership, education, and research is explored.