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Self-Efficacy Theory

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Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences

Synonyms

Bandura’s social cognitive theory; Social learning theory

Definition

Self-efficacy theory explains how self-efficacy develops and is altered, as well as how self-efficacy impacts behavioral change, performance accomplishments, and personal well-being.

Introduction

In 1977 Albert Bandura introduced his social-cognitive theory and self-efficacy theory, in which he proposed that self-efficacy and outcome expectancies are key to behavior initiation and maintenance (see Fig. 1). While self-efficacy was deemed to be especially central for goal setting, enactment, and attainment, self-efficacy was also a reliable target in treatments. Accordingly, his self-efficacy theory, in greater detail, outlined which sources impact self-efficacy expectations (Fig. 2).

Historical Development

Albert Bandura incorporated the concept of self-efficacy into his social learning theory, which he authored in the 1960s. While Bandura drew on concepts like perceived control (Skinner 1996), he extended...

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References

  • Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191.

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  • Bandura, A., & Walters, R. H. (1963). Social learning and personality development. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

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  • Koring, M., Richert, J., Lippke, S., Parschau, L., Reuter, T., & Schwarzer, R. (2012). Synergistic effects of planning and self-efficacy on physical activity. Health Education & Behavior, 39, 152–158.

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  • Lippke, S., Wiedemann, A. U., Ziegelmann, J. P., Reuter, T., & Schwarzer, R. (2009). Self-efficacy moderates the mediation of intentions into behavior via plans. American Journal of Health Behavior, 33(5), 521–529.

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  • Skinner, E. A. (1996). A guide to constructs of control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71(3), 549.

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Correspondence to Sonia Lippke .

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Lippke, S. (2020). Self-Efficacy Theory. In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_1167

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