Lori Lincoln, RN, BSN
Theoretical Foundations of Practice NUR/513
Dr. Sharon Pontious
University of Phoenix
May 19, 2005
The Concept of Self-Efficacy Self-efficacy, for the purpose of this study, may be defined as a person's optimistic self-belief. This is the belief that a person can develop the skills to perform new or difficult tasks to cope with changes in health and functioning. When a person perceives self-efficacy, it will facilitate goal-setting, effort, investment, persistence, overcoming obstacles and recovery from disappointments and failures. It can be regarded as a positive outlook or proactive way to handle stress factors. It is the ability to successfully cope with health changes, and implies an internal and stable acceptance of changes and ability to successfully adapt to those changes. Perceived self-efficacy is functional in relationship to behavioral change, and health care maintenance or improvement. In health care, the concept of self-efficacy is important in developing effective strategies for health education and interventions. Self-efficacy emerged from theories related to motivation, competence and a feeling of control. Rodgers' (1993) stated that the "evolutionary" method of concept analysis is used in clarifying the concept of interest. By following this approach, abstract characteristics of a concept can be identified and grouped for the purpose of developing a clear and useful definition of the concept. Once the concept is defined, a model case can be described to demonstrate the concepts attributes, antecedents, and consequence. A literary search and a grouping of characteristics will be used to process a constant comparative analysis and to refine the data into a clear and concise definition appropriate for our use. The term effectance is used to describe the motivational aspect of competence. The theory of motivation is not solely based on the basic animal instinct of drive. People
References: Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of Behavioral Change. Psychological Review, 84, pp191-215. Gecas, V. (1989). The Social Psychology of Self-Efficacy. Annual Review of Sociology. 15, pp. 291-316. Maibach, E. & Murphy, D.A. (1995). Self-efficacy in Health Promotion Research and Practice: Conceptualization and Measurement. Health Education Research, 10 (1), pp. 37-50. O 'Leary, A. (1985). Self-efficacy and Health. Behavioral Research & Therapy, 23, 437-451. Rodgers, L. & Knafl, K.A. (1993). Concept Development in Nursing: Foundations, Techniques, and Applications. (pp.73-92). Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders. White, R.W. (1959). Motivation Reconsidered: The Concept of Competence. Psychological Review, 66 (5), pp. 297-331