Self Efficacy Theory (SET)

Alberta Bendura
This page was last updated on February 12, 2012

Introduction

 Self-efficacy theory was originated from Social Cognitive

theory by Alberta Bendura.

 Self-efficacy is the belief that one has the power to

produce that effect by completing a given task or activity
related to that competency.

 Self-efficacy relates to a person’s perception of their

ability to reach a goal. 

 It is the belief that one is capable of performing in a

certain manner to attain certain goals.

 It is the expectation that one can master a situation, and

produce a positive outcome.

 Self-efficacy is an important concept in positive

psychology.

Major Concepts

 Bandura’s Social Cognitive Model says that there are 3

factors that influence self-efficacy:

o Behaviors

o Environment, and

o personal/cognitive factors.

 They all effect each other, but the cognitive factors are
important.

 Self-efficacy developing from mastery experiences in

which goals are achieved through perseverance and
overcoming obstacles and from observing others succeed
through sustained effort.

 Self-efficacy and self-esteem are different concepts, but

related.

 Self-efficacy relates to a person’s perception of their

ability to reach a goal, whereas self-esteem relates to a
person’s sense of self-worth.

Application of the Theory

  "Motivation, performance, and feelings of frustration
associated with repeated failures determine affect and
behaviour relations" - Bandura, 1986)

 SET is widely applied in health behaviour change.

 Cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy for depression

are based on theoretical concepts of self-efficacy.

Conclusion

 Self-efficacy is the most important precondition for

behaviour change.

References

1. Bandura, A. Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of

behavior change. Psychological Review, 1977, 84, 191-
215.

2. Bandura, A. Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency.

American Psychologist, 1982, 37, 122-147.

The Health Belief Model

The Health Belief Model is a theoretical model that can be used to guide health promotion and
disease prevention programs. It is used to explain and predict individual changes in health behaviors.
It is one of the most widely used models for understanding health behaviors.

Key elements of the Health Belief Model focus on individual beliefs about health conditions, which
predict individual health-related behaviors. The model defines the key factors that influence health
behaviors as an individual's perceived threat to sickness or disease (perceived susceptibility), belief
of consequence (perceived severity), potential positive benefits of action (perceived benefits),
perceived barriers to action, exposure to factors that prompt action (cues to action), and confidence
in ability to succeed (self-efficacy).

Health Belief Model Examples

 The Michigan Model for Health™ is a curriculum designed for implementation in schools. It

targets social and emotional health challenges including nutrition, physical activity, alcohol
and drug use, safety, and personal health, among other topics. This model adapts
components of the Health Belief Model related to knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and
environmental support.

Considerations for Implementation

The Health Belief Model can be used to design short- and long-term interventions. The five key
action-related components that determine the ability of the Health Belief Model to identify key
decision-making points that influence health behaviors are:

 Gathering information by conducting a health needs assessments and other efforts to

determine who is at risk and the population(s) that should be targeted.
  Conveying the consequences of the health issues associated with risk behaviors in a clear
and unambiguous fashion to understand perceived severity.

 Communicating to the target population the steps that are involved in taking the
recommended action and highlighting the benefits to action.

 Providing assistance in identifying and reducing barriers to action.

 Demonstrating actions through skill development activities and providing support that
enhances self-efficacy and the likelihood of successful behavior changes.

These actions represent key elements of the Health Belief Model and can be used to design or adapt
health promotion or disease prevention programs. The Health Belief Model is appropriate to be used
alone or in combination with other theories or models. To ensure success with this model, it is
important to identify "cues to action" that are meaningful and appropriate for the target population.

Resources to Learn More

Health Belief Model: Behavioral Change Models

Website
Overview of Health Belief Model in health promotion setting and includes examples for each stage
and the limitations of using this model in public health.
Organization(s): Boston University School of Public Health

Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice

Document
Provides information about useful theories for health behavior change and health education
practice.
Organization(s): National Cancer Institute
Date: 2005