Self-Efficacy - Seeing Oneself as Competent

In order to have a clear understanding of the term self-efficacy both words will be defined. According to The American Heritage Dictionary, the word "self means The total essential, or particular being of one person, the individual, the qualities of one person distinguishing him from another." The word "efficacy means, The power or capacity to produce the desired effect; ability to achieve results; effectiveness" (1981, p. 417, 1176). Self-efficacy then is a "sense that one is competent and effective. Distinguished from self-esteem, a sense of one's self-worth. A bombardier might feel high self-efficacy and low self-esteem" (Myers, p.101).

In other words self-efficacy has to do with seeing oneself as competent and effective. You may suffer from a general sense of low self-esteem, however, there are several things that you can do and do well that contribute to your self-efficacy.

Albert Bandura in his study of personality theory devotes a good part of his research to the topic of self-efficacy. In Barabara Engler's textbook, Personality Theories, she sites Bandura's belief that " A high degree of self-efficacy has been show to be positively related to health, behavioral change, perceived control, and other desirable behaviors" (1995, p.234).

People with a high degree of self-efficacy also seem to be more persistent and dependable. They are less anxious of the world around them. On the other hand those who have a poor sense of self-efficacy do not believe that they can accomplish certain tasks or responsibilities. They often will avoid situations where they are threatened and will shy away from most tasks that they believe they cannot do well. In a real sense they are paralyzed by their lack of confidence in themselves. This can become problematic. It becomes a cyclical problem. I cannot do a task, I will not try to do the task, I will never be able to do the task. A person would add to their self-efficacy if they would try to do that which they fear or believe they cannot accomplish.

Julian Rotter theory of internal and external locus of control effects a persons view of their effectiveness. Internal locus of control means that you feel you are in charge of your destiny, that you set the course and you are the master. The external locus of control suggests that others control you. That chance and outside forces determine your course. In the study of self-efficacy a person needs to move more toward the internal locus of control side. It is important that they see themselves as in charge, and sufficient to do the job or behavior.

In families as children are developing the concept of self-efficacy is of great importance. As you give a child, small yet challenging tasks to perform and they follow through with them and are successful, you are empowering your children with a sense of self-effectiveness. They sense their own ability to be successful. These children tend to do better in school, set and reach life long goals, be independent and sufficient to meet their needs and are generally more optimistic. Unfortunately many children are not given the chance to feel effective within themselves, they tend to feel that the world controls them and they cannot achieve much of anything. It is very self-defeating. There are processes one can go through to help capture a person's self-efficacy. In one study Bandura proved that people with agoraphobia, (fear of public places) can overcome that fear by empowering themselves through little victories. Each small step towards public places increases the persons awareness of their ability to overcome their fear. As their self-efficacy increases they are able to venture out more and more until they conquer their fears.

The idea of self-efficacy is not a new one. Norman Vincent Peale wrote a book entitled, The Power of Positive Thinking, in the 1950's. He believes that if a person will feel positive toward a certain situation that they will have the power to overcome it. Self-efficacy is not just positive thinking, it is not just self-talk, it is a person's own empowerment to accomplish certain realistic challenges.

You can go to any bookstore a find many authors who espouse the idea of self-efficacy. They may not use the term self-efficacy but you can see the principle through and through. There is a plethora of books, audio and visual tapes that can help a person increase his or her own self-efficacy. There are many stories I have read about the great leaders in our countries past that are a testament to self-efficacy. Abraham Lincoln is one who through many defeats, bankruptcies and problems, continued to feel that he could accomplish something great if he would just continue to try. Success comes in life as we perceive ourselves as able to do whatever comes our way, to believe in ourselves. It does not come out of a false sense of pride, or a puffed up view of ourselves. It comes as a realistic view of ourselves. We have done, and can do many things most effectively. Self-efficacy should be the goal of every individual.

Questions? Ask Bob

Bibliography
Engler, Barbara (1995) Personality Theories, Houghton Mifflin, Boston p.234.

Meyers, David G. (1993) Social Psychology, McGraw-Hill, New York p. 101.

Morris, William (1981) The American Heritage Dictionary, Houghton Mifflin: Boston p. 417, 1176.

Peale, Norman Vincent (1950) The Power of Positive Thinking.