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Self-efficacy as a positive youth development construct: a conceptual review
Sandra K M Tsang1, Eadaoin K P Hui, Bella C M Law
1Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong. sandratsang@hku.hk
Thescientificworldjournal
|May 31, 2012
Summary
Self-efficacy, people's belief in their abilities, shapes feelings, thoughts, and actions. Understanding its development and impact is key for positive youth development and enhancing adolescent outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Cognitive Theory
Background:
- Self-efficacy, a core concept in Social Cognitive Theory, refers to an individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.
- It is a multifaceted construct influencing cognition, motivation, affect, and behavior across various life domains and developmental stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition and theoretical conceptualizations of self-efficacy as originally devised by Albert Bandura.
- To examine the determinants of self-efficacy development.
- To identify the relationship between self-efficacy and adolescent developmental outcomes, informing positive youth development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on self-efficacy.
- Analysis of theoretical frameworks and empirical research on self-efficacy development and its impact.
- Synthesis of findings to outline determinants and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Self-efficacy beliefs are shaped by enactive attainment, vicarious experience, imaginal experience, social persuasion, and physiological/emotional states.
- These beliefs are mediated by cognitive, motivational, affective, and selection processes, influencing actual performance.
- Self-efficacy is closely linked to an individual's experiences, competencies, and developmental tasks across the lifespan.
Conclusions:
- Self-efficacy is a crucial psychological construct with significant implications for adolescent development.
- Understanding the determinants of self-efficacy is vital for developing effective interventions.
- Strategies to enhance youth self-efficacy can foster positive developmental outcomes and inform future research.
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