Abstract
The present set of studies tested the explanatory and predictive generality of self-efficacy theory across additional treatment modalities and behavioral domains. Microanalysis of changes accompanying symbolic modeling indicates that this mode of treatment enhances coping behavior partly through its effects on perceived efficacy. Cognizing modeled mastery of threats increased phobics' self-percepts of efficacy, which, in turn, predicted their specific performance attainments on tasks of varying threat value. Examination of efficacy probes revealed that making efficacy judgments has no effect on subsequent avoidance behavior or on fear arousal. The close congruence found between changes in self-efficacy and different forms of coping behavior in the treatment of agoraphobia provides some evidence for the generality of efficacy theory across different areas of functioning. Microanalysis of anticipatory and performance fear arousal accompanying varying strengths of self-efficacy also lends support for the social learning conception of fear arousal in terms of perceived coping inefficacy.
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Reference Notes
Schunk, D. A.Self-efficacy in achievement behavior. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Stanford University, 1979.
Miller, S. M., & Grant, R. P.Predictability and human stress: Evidence, theory, and conceptual clarification. Unpublished manuscript, University of Pennsylvania, 1979.
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This research was supported by Public Health Research Grant M-5162 from the National Institute of Mental Health. The authors are grateful to Seanna Adamson for administering the assessment procedures and to Evelyn Nast for her able assistance with the cognitive modeling treatment. We are deeply indebted to Sue Lampson for her valuable aid with the assessment phase of the agoraphobia study and to the staff of the Terrap treatment center for their generous help with this research.
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Bandura, A., Adams, N.E., Hardy, A.B. et al. Tests of the generality of self-efficacy theory. Cogn Ther Res 4, 39–66 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173354
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173354