Self-Efficacy Theory

Question 1

Bandura and Adams (1977). Analysis of self-efficacy theory of behavioural change aim

Answer 1

Investigate the role of self-efficacy in the treatment of snake phobia. (Using Systematic Desensitisation). They wanted to see if reducing emotional arousal through relaxation would enhance self-efficacy and reduce avoidance of snakes

Question 2

Bandura and Adams (1977). Analysis of self-efficacy theory of behavioural change procedure

Answer 2

People with a chronic snake phobia were assessed for:

· Degree of avoidance (tasks with large snake).

· Fear arousal (fear experienced 1-10).

· Efficacy expectations (how strongly they believed they could perform the tasks from 0 to 100).

Systematic desensitisation was given individually. The tests used before treatment were repeated within one week of the treatment ending.

Question 3

Bandura and Adams (1977). Analysis of self-efficacy theory of behavioural change findings

Answer 3

· There were higher levels of self-efficacy after treatment compared with before.

· There was a strong positive correlation between self-efficacy level and approach behaviour towards the snake.

· There was a substantial reduction in fear after the treatment.

Question 4

Bandura and Adams (1977). Analysis of self-efficacy theory of behavioural change conclusion

Answer 4

The treatment increased self-efficacy (belief in coping with phobia), supporting Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, and confirming his view that self-efficacy plays a central role in behaviour change.

Question 5

Marlatt et al. (1995). Self-efficacy and addictive behaviour aim

Answer 5

A review of research that considered how self-efficacy can prevent the onset of addiction or influence quitting.

Question 6

Marlatt et al. (1995). Self-efficacy and addictive behaviour procedure

Answer 6

Identified a wide range of studies on the link between different types of self-efficacy and variety of addictions.

Question 7

Marlatt et al. (1995). Self-efficacy and addictive behaviour findings

Answer 7

· Low resistance self-efficacy plus peer influence predicts alcohol and nicotine use by adolescents.

· Harm-reduction self-efficacy can be increased in adolescents who are already drinking and smoking.

· Low-coping self-efficacy (established after relapse) helps addicts bounce back from relapse. Interventions help the addict recognise relapse triggers.

Question 8

Marlatt et al. (1995). Self-efficacy and addictive behaviour conclusion

Answer 8

Self-efficacy influences smoking and alcohol addiction at the initiation, maintenance, and relapse stages. Interventions can therefore target self-efficacy in a variety of ways to:

· Increase self-efficacy through meeting achievable targets.

· Identify people at greater risk of addiction or relapse (and provide extra support).

· Reduce self-harm related to the drug.

· Identify triggering situations that can be coped with to avoid relapse.