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A comparison of general self-efficacy with self-esteem
1Emporia State University, Wichita, KS, USA.
Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs
|February 1, 1997
Summary
General self-efficacy (GSE) scales may measure self-esteem rather than true confidence. These scales were found to be poor predictors of actual task performance in a study of undergraduates.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- General self-efficacy (GSE) is defined as global confidence in task performance.
- GSE is theoretically linked to task-specific self-efficacy (TSSE).
- The construct of GSE is debated, with some suggesting it overlaps with self-esteem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between general self-efficacy (GSE) scales and self-esteem.
- To assess the predictive validity of GSE scales for actual performance.
- To clarify the construct of GSE in relation to self-esteem and performance.
Main Methods:
- 165 undergraduate students participated in the study.
- Participants completed multiple GSE scales, a self-esteem scale, a locus of control scale, and a TSSE scale.
- Performance was assessed using a sample-performance test and a performance test.
Main Results:
- Multiple regression analyses revealed that GSE scales are significantly measuring self-esteem.
- GSE scales demonstrated poor predictive ability for actual task performance.
- Findings suggest a potential conflation of GSE with self-esteem in measurement.
Conclusions:
- The GSE construct, as measured by common scales, may largely reflect self-esteem.
- Current GSE scales are not reliable predictors of objective performance.
- Further research is needed to refine the measurement and conceptualization of self-efficacy.