Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to perform a specific task. This belief strongly influences a person's actions, motivation, and emotional state.
Main idea:
- A person's belief in their ability to succeed determines their behavior.
- Individuals with high self-efficacy are more willing to tackle complex tasks.
- Individuals with low self-efficacy may even fear simple tasks.
The main sources of self-efficacy (4):
1. Personal experience:
- Previous successful actions → self-efficacy ↑
- Previous failures → self-efficacy ↓
Example: A person who has successfully completed a task before is more confident in doing similar work in the future.
2. Vicarious experience (modeling):
- Increased confidence through observing the successes of similar others.
Example: A person who observes another's successful action believes they can also accomplish it.
3. Verbal persuasion:
- Supportive and encouraging words from others enhance confidence.
Example: A statement from a reputable person like "You can do this" boosts an individual's belief in their own abilities.
4. Emotional and physiological state:
- Negative emotions (stress, anxiety) → self-efficacy ↓
- Positive emotions (calmness, high spirits) → self-efficacy ↑
- Fatigue, illness → self-efficacy ↓
Example: A calm person approaches a complex task with more confidence.
Practical significance:
Bandura's theory is widely applied in education, healthcare, sports, and other fields of psychology. Various strategies aimed at enhancing self-efficacy have been developed. These strategies help individuals achieve success.
Note:
The four factors mentioned above are interrelated and complement each other. Together, they play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening an individual's self-efficacy.
