Question

Select a children's book. After reading the book complete the following information:

• Summarize self-efficacy theory (two to three sentences)
• Summarize the book (three to four sentences)
• Connect the book to self-efficacy theory (three to four sentences). How does the book display elements of the theory?

Answer 1

Self-efficacy is not self-image, self-worth, or any other similar construct. Self-efficacy is often assigned the same meaning as variables such as these, including confidence, self-esteem, or optimism; however, it has a slightly different definition than any of these related constructs. Self-efficacy is certainly worth having because as Henry Ford famously put it, whether you believe you can or you can’t, you are right. And Gandhi perfectly understood the pivotal role that self-belief plays in our lives:

Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny. Self-efficacy plays a major part in determining our chances for success; in fact some psychologists rate self-efficacy above talent in the recipe for success. We need to pay special attention to self-efficacy when setting goals to make sure that our efficacy beliefs are in line with our aims and not working against them.

The first and foremost source of self-efficacy is through mastery experiences. However nothing is more powerful than having a direct experience of mastery to increase self-efficacy. Having a success, for example in mastering a task or controlling an environment, will build self- belief in that area whereas a failure will undermine that efficacy belief. To have a resilient sense of self-efficacy requires experience in overcoming obstacles through effort and perseverance.