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Self-Efficacy as a Mechanism of Behavior Change in Addiction Science and Practice
Molly Magill1, Samuel Meisel2, David I K Moniz-Lewis3
1Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
This review examines self-efficacy and traces the construct from theory and operationalization to clinical practice and intervention design in addiction science.
Recent Findings:
Self-efficacy is a construct with a strong theoretical and methodological foundation. While evidence for self-efficacy as a statistical mediator in the context of clinical trials of addictions treatments is mixed, it is most conclusive in within-condition, non-experimental designs. Consistency in empirical support across research methods, populations, and outcomes strengthens support for self-efficacy as a mechanism of alcohol or other substance consumption outcomes.
Summary:
The current review provides evidence for self-efficacy as a mechanism worthy of direct attention in clinical care for alcohol or other substance use disorders. It is likely a common mechanism of human behavior change that can be harnessed in a range of treatment modalities and client-identified goals. Future work should target self-efficacy directly in intervention development, implementation, and dissemination.
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