Self-efficacy

The concept of self -efficacy (SWE ) (English Perceived self-efficacy ) was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura in the 1970s.

SWE refers to the own expectation of being able to perform desired actions successfully themselves based on their own skills. A man who believes himself to make a difference and to be able to act autonomously, even in difficult situations, therefore, has a high SWE. A component of SWE is the assumption that one could as a person deliberately influence the things and the world ( internaler locus- of-control, see locus of control ), rather than view external circumstances, other people, chance, luck, and other uncontrollable factors as causal. Some psychologists argue that self-efficacy ( - serwartung ) is a natural human need.

In psychological research also is ( being able to stop smoking, for example, to speak freely in front of a crowd, etc. ) between the generalized and the various action- specific self-efficacy expectations differed.

Studies show that people with a strong belief in their own competence have greater endurance in performing tasks, a lower susceptibility to anxiety disorders and depression and more successes in training and professional life.

SWE and the results of action often seem circular: a high SWE leads to high standards for our own person, which is why you are looking for more challenging, difficult challenges. A good performance of these challenges leads then again to confirm or increasing one's SWE. This circular effect attacked Locke and Latham ( 1990, 1991 ) and transferred him to the so-called "high performance motorcycle ." The authors examine whether there is a relationship between the establishment of targets and the realized performance.

Sources of self-efficacy

Bandura mentions four different sources that can affect the self-efficacy of a person.

Own experiences of success (performance Accomplishments )

Success in coping with a difficult situation strengthens faith in their own abilities - you dare in the future such situations - while failures can cause to doubt one's own competence and to avoid similar situations in the future more likely. Thus it comes to such influence one's own self-efficacy by (mis - ) sense of achievement, the person must, however, this ( mis) attribute success to their own (in) ability ( ie attributing internal and stable). People with high self-efficacy were therefore in spite of some setbacks, a higher tolerance for frustration.

Deputy Experience ( Vicarious Experience)

Most Bankrupts other people with skills to own like a task that you do not trust it to yourself to even more. On the other hand demotivates a failure of such persons. It is true: The more similar to the observed person, the stronger the influence of the model.

Verbal encouragement ( verbal persuasion )

People, which is well persuaded and become like them credited by others, to master a particular situation, straining to sooner. They believed more in themselves than when others doubted their abilities. At the same time it is important not to ask someone unrealistic. That would demotivate with repeated failure more likely.

Emotional arousal (Emotional Arousal )

The own physiological responses to a new request situation are often based on our situation and self- efficacy assessment. For example, go palpitations, sweating, hand tremors, chills, nausea often associated with emotional reactions such as tension or anxiety. These signs could easily be interpreted as weakness and self-doubt arise. A reduction of stress reactions could help people, relaxed address challenges and better to master.

Development phases and contexts of SWE

Self-efficacy develops in different life stages in each individual differently, depending on the circumstances and the different influences of the above sources.

Newborns are not yet self- aware as an independent person. Only gradually you learn how their actions cause certain effects and reactions (eg, shaking a rattle produces noise, shouting calls adults induce ), and that they are a segregated from the other person.

The family, mostly to learn and develop their physical, cognitive, social and linguistic skills in children, the home environment, including learning materials and sibling constellations are extremely important. Children compare in this environment for the first time with other people, that is, with parents and siblings. A next step is to meet peers: For the first time, you can evaluate in comparison with peers their own abilities. Even here have children with low self-efficacy problems to join other children. In school they expand their cognitive skills and acquire knowledge and problem-solving skills. Later confronted the development of young people with changes such as puberty and career choice. How easy or difficult one takes depends on the pre-established self-efficacy. Does this phase to the positive perception of the now extended control options in ever new situations, this increases the SWE. However, the young people can not find self-affirmation or experience them even as powerless, which prevents the buildup of a positive SWE.

Adulthood brings new requirements, such as entering into long- term relationships / marriage, parenthood and work with it. People with self-doubt tend to have greater stress and are more prone to depression, can motivate poor and less well control negative emotions. The experience of being able to develop no influence in large bureaucracies can reinforce this tendency. At the age physical performance and everyone needs with new changes such as retirement or loss of friends, partners and / or physical performance or integrity cope decreases. Also in coping with these changes, individual self -efficacy plays a crucial role.